As I was taking part in my regularly scheduled yoga class this past week, my instructor asked us to make the intention of our focus all about gratitude. It struck home for me because, when you think about it, gratitude helps us to see what there is, instead of what there isn’t.

Trust that you do not need a special occasion to give thanks, as the benefits of practicing gratitude can be endless.

People who regularly practice gratitude, by taking the time to notice and reflect upon the things that make them thankful, are generally more positive and uplifting human beings.

Try these four tips now to brush up on your gratitude skills:

1. Freshen Your Thanks

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The best way to reap the benefits of gratitude is to find things you’re grateful for every day. You can think or write to yourself, “I’m grateful for my family” or “I am grateful for my health” week after week, but what do you truly mean?

Get really specific about what you are genuinely thankful for. “I am grateful for that person who held my door open for me today,” “I am thankful my car started this morning,” etc. Make it a practice to notice new things each day.

2. Get excited About How you Practice Gratitude

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Being excited about the benefits of gratitude is a great thing because it gives us that push we need to start making changes. However, it is not always easy. It’s a habit that needs to be built.

By building that new pattern of gratefulness — while also being realistic — about how difficult that may be, ultimately, leads us to exert more effort. So plan accordingly and take it slow.

3. Share what you have with others

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You know that saying, sharing is caring? As corny as it sounds, this is an essential step of gratitude that you might not want to skip. Sharing with others typically feels good, right? When we give our friendship, love, time, advice, whatever it is, we are giving out good vibes and positive feelings into the universe. And that is always a good thing.

4. Make Thankfulness Fun By Mixing It Up

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Make a gratitude jar with all of the things you have been grateful for this year. Then at the end of the year, take a little bit of time to self-reflect.

What are some ways you like to show gratitude in your life?

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Positivity