Start Each Day with a Grateful Heart

I saw this quote on pinterest a few days ago.

http://www.shopdandynow.com/products/start-each-day-with-a-grateful-heart-gold-foil-poster-print

It got me thinking, what helps me start my days with a grateful heart? Not that I always do, but I feel that a good percentage of the days I do more than I used to, because I am intentional about being thankful. So I put this list together of some helpful hints on how to start your day with a grateful heart. Hope it helps or at least inspires you a little bit :) 

Surround yourself with Happy thoughts 

Strategically place posters and photos in places that you will see every morning to remind you that life is good and you have things worth being grateful for. You can purchase the print pictured above here.

Give yourself a few extra minutes to take in the day 
This takes a little planning, but it’s worth it. Don’t just get up and go through your routine and fly out the door. Give yourself an extra ten to fifteen minutes to sit and drink coffee, look out the window (if the sun is out… ) and thank God for the wonderful day he has planned for you. This could very well be the best day of your life! 

Smile 
Seriously. It’s not that hard, but we don’t naturally do it in the morning and it’s scientifically proven that smiling can actually boost your mood. Don’t believe me? Read about it here. 

Think of one good thing that happened the day before 

This can help especially if it’s related to work or wherever it is that you are going after getting ready. It will motivate you as you prepare to go to work if you think of something nice that happened the day before. It won’t always be about work, but it’s nice if you can remember positive things about your job and why you can be grateful for it, even if it’s just the people who you work with :) 

Listen to upbeat music while you get ready
I usually have a more difficult time feeling awake in the morning, especially in the winter months, when I don’t listen to upbeat music. Apart from waking me up, as long as I listen to the right music, it helps me to focus on good things and really sets a good mood for my morning. I usually try to listen to worship music, to remind me to set my eyes on things above. 

And, a little bonus for those of you who are married… 


20 second Morning Hug
I have a confession to make... My husband and I have this little tradition. It might sound lame, but it is wonderful and if we don’t do it, it can effect our whole day, in a negative way. We even yell out “morning hug” every day while we stand in our living room and hug for 20 seconds. So there. It’s out, we are dorks, but happy ones. This is a really nice boost in the morning, it’s comforting and it’s good for your relationship. Just try a morning hug and see how it can revolutionize your life!