Virtue #3: Gratitude

In this month, the focus is on Gratitude and Empathy, with minimal attention to Envy. Emphasizing gratitude and empathy can reduce feelings of envy.

Let's start with Gratitude. I like this definition of gratitude from LDS.org

"Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation and thankfulness for blessings or benefits we have received. As we cultivate a grateful attitude, we are more likely to be happy and spiritually strong. We should regularly express our gratitude to God for the blessings He gives us and to others for the kind acts they do for us."

When I am feeling envy, I am not feeling grateful for what I have. Instead I am focused on what someone else has or what I believe their life looks like. No matter what is happening in our lives, there is always something to be grateful for. 

I love the quote from Gary B. Sabin in his talk titled Hallmarks of Happiness, 

"You will never be happier than you are grateful."

I have really found that to be true in my life. The times I am grateful, I am happy. And what better reason to work on being more grateful than to be more happy?

Today I am so incredibly grateful to be able to celebrate the wedding of my son Dagan and his beautiful, strong, amazing wife Valentina! It is easy to feel gratful during such a wonderful time. I love both of them so much, and I'm so excited to see them grow together in their marriage, 

My husband Roman and I have been keeping a gratitude journal this month and I've enjoyed taking the time to focus on gratitude at the end of the day.

I think we all are familiar with Gratitude Journals. I've used them at different times in my life. They help me to focus on what I am grateful for. For this month, I want to challenge myself to think a little bit deeper so I am using these 20 gratitude journal prompts. 

I am grateful for:

1. Someone in your family that you are grateful for.  (Tell them why you are grateful for them.)

2. An inventor who invented something you are grateful for.

3. Something in your house that you take for granted but makes your life better or easier.

4. The weather. 

5. Something in nature.

6. Something about your community.

7. Someone who has shown you kindness. 

8. Your body. Be specific.

9. Someone you look up to for inspiration.

10. Your favorite song or type of music that just makes you feel happy.

11. A special time or memory.

13. Something that you can do that you enjoy. 

14. A smell that always makes you happy.

15. A favorite tradition.

16. Your funniest friend who always makes you laugh.

17. A time you have seen God's hand in your life. 

18. Your favorite food.

19. Someone who you can count on.

20. A blessing you have recieved from God. 

These are just some ideas to get us thinking about gratitude. We can use one prompt for several days. We can skip a prompt if we want. And of course you can add more. Please share with me and other you add.