GRATEFUL AF [Wellness]
Simple ways to weave gratitude into your life.
Y’all, real talk… gratitude and being thankful doesn’t always come naturally for most of us (especially for us BIPOC folks). Personally, I rarely take time to take stock of what I have. I don’t know if this is you, but life be life-ing. We’re out here trying to show up for folks, and sometimes we’re just too busy surviving to sit and be grateful. But if that’s you, no stress — there are chill, meaningful ways to sneak a little gratitude into your day.
Gratitude check-in, once a day.
Start small. Like, once a day, take a few moments to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Pause and be like, “Yo, what’s good in my life right now?” Try adding it into your daily routines like brushing your teeth or washing your face, making it a habit without changing your hella busy schedule.
You can start with three things, big or small, like your health, that first sip of morning coffee, finally making your bed, or even that joint you’ve got rolled for later. Easy…
Try gratitude showers.
Next time you’re in the shower (while you’re singing), take a moment to slow down and show gratitude to each part of your body as you wash it. Thank each part for what it does for you, for how your body holds you down, and for how your legs carry you through life the best they can. You can also do this while applying your fav shea butter…slowly massage it in like a love letter to yourself, reminding your body that you see it, you honor it, and you’re thankful for it.
Keep a gratitude journal.
Writing in a gratitude journal can be hella effective as well. Grab a notebook or use your Notes app (I use the app Day One — no partnership yet, y’all hit me up tho). No rules here. You don’t have to write a whole-ass novel and shit. Jot down quick bullets of what you’re grateful for. If you’re in the mood, write a little deeper about the things you’re listing, or write about specific moments (like how a friend came through for you, or when your mentor held you down when you didn’t believe in yourself). Keep it real, keep it easeful, keep it messy if you need to, and lastly keep it somewhere you can come back to.
Say that thank you out loud (or in writing)
Expressing gratitude to others not only boosts your own happiness but also strengthens relationships. Tell people thank you— out loud, in a text, in a meme, whatever. But make it specific. Like, thank a friend for helping you move by acknowledging the effort they put in to make your life easier. People feel that shit.
Take a couple of minutes to enjoy a “mindful” walk.
If writing ain’t your thing, go for a gratitude walk. Put your phone down and peep the trees, the flowers, that random person twerking in the park. Appreciate the beauty in the little things you usually overlook. The little stuff you usually ignore will hit different when you actually notice it.
Remember that practicing gratitude includes embracing the negatives too.
And listen… gratitude don’t mean pretending life ain’t hard or ignoring life’s challenges. It’s about finding silver linings even during tough times. Acknowledge the pain, but also recognize any positives. Chile, you can cuss somebody out in your head and still thank the universe for the growth you got from leaving them alone. It’s about holding both.
Awkward now, worth it later.
Tbh, it may feel awkward or corny at first, but stick with it. Gratitude is like working out…it feels weird in the beginning, but later you’re glad you showed up. And for real, you got nothing to lose by trying.
You We got this.🖤
Your homie,