How Self-Gratitude can boost your confidence
We’re now in that time of the year where we’re thinking about all the people and the reasons we’re grateful for the lives we have. Gratitude is one form of emotion I have no problem expressing to others and I’m pretty sure we share the same perspective on this, but can I ask you something? When is the last time you said ‘THANK YOU’ to yourself? When is the last time you honored yourself for the hard work you’ve put into the life you’ve created?
Life is filled with choices: good ones, bad ones. And while the people in your life probably make your life worthwhile, you’re still the one responsible for making the changes, the decisions, the sacrifices, and the successes for the life you have cultivated. Give yourself some well deserved credit, maybe a standing ovation even because YOU DESERVE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT! Each and every single day you make a choice to show up, to put in the effort, to work hard towards your dreams. You make the choice to change your life, to be better every single damn day, and to dig deep on those days that you want to give up.
“Life is filled with choices: good ones, bad ones. And while the people in your life probably make your life worthwhile, you’re still the one responsible for making the changes, the decisions, the sacrifices, and the successes for the life you have cultivated. ”
I’ve seen dark days. I know what it feels like to be depressed; to not want to live, to give up on life, to lose hope, and not see the light. Just remember you’re in a lifelong relationship with yourself. There’s a little “me” inside of you that will be there to weather the storm with you, overcome the hardships, and help you create the healthy, fulfilled, and loving life that you desire. That little “me” inside you will be there during your heartaches, moments of sadness, moments of pain, and that person will never leave your side. While its easier to express gratitude to others, you cannot forget the most important person in your life, YOU.
Expressing self-gratitude is just one of the ways to boost your self-confidence. A practice of self-gratitude allows you to acknowledge even the smallest efforts you've made to improve your life. At first, it might feel a little weird. But over time you'll begin to recognize how awesome you are and the things others see in you.
You can focus on being grateful to yourself for:
- Making it through a tough workout.
- Showing kindness to others
- Showing kindness to yourself
- Your determination and work ethic
- A body part you love
- The lesson learned in a struggle
- Your recent accomplishments
- Making it through the day
- Showing up for life
- Cooking a healthy meal for yourself
Anxiety and depression can make it hard to see ways to express self-gratitude. So here are some simple ideas that can help open your mindset to it:
- What are you planning for yourself in the future? Can you be grateful to yourself for your hopes, goals, and dreams?
- Are there things in your past that make you feel good about yourself?
- What was the one thing in your day that wanted to accomplish?
Do you have a self-gratitude practice and if so, what is it?
