In our world of never enough-ness, striving, beauty ideals, and bI0-h@ck!ng your health, it’s easy to feel like we–our body, our effort, our life–are not meeting those standards or living up to our potential.
So this week, as we turn our attention to giving thanks, please don’t forget to include yourself–and yes, even your body (as “substandard” as it may be according to Toxic Fitness & Diet Culture)–as a worthy recipient of gratitude.
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And I don’t mean just read this, sort of vaguely agree with the sentiment, & move on.
I’d like to invite you to:
- Take a few seconds
- Put your hand on your heart
- Take a breath
- Say to yourself (in your mind or out loud), “thank you, body, for getting me here”
- Take another breath
Congratulations, you just helped close the gratitude gap!
What’s “the gratitude gap?”
“It’s a term that represents the space between the feelings of gratitude we experience and our actual expression of that gratitude. In other words, it’s the disparity between what we feel in our hearts and what we communicate or show in our actions. This concept is essential because it highlights the importance of not only experiencing gratitude but also actively expressing it.”
Why does that matter?
Practicing & expressing gratitude helps to release dopamine, serotonin, & oxytocin, and can rewire neural pathways, promoting a more positive mindset and reducing negative thought patterns. Over time, the brain becomes more attuned to recognizing and appreciating the good in life, fostering a more optimistic and content outlook.
Not feeling especially grateful right now?
Fair enough. I’ve definitely been there. Here’s a link full of resources for you (don’t worry, this is a toxic positivity-free space) from Calm–my meditation app of choice. #NotAnAd #iJustLoveTheCalmApp
| TTYL, ☮💜Deanna |
