There is no doubt that being a mom in and of itself is a rewarding experience. Words cannot describe the joy and content raising my children has brought me. However, this has not always been the case as I used to get caught up in the daily tasks of parenting and forget to appreciate the small moments. Practicing gratitude is one of those self-care habits that has helped me to build my confidence as a mom, a wife, and most importantly, as a person. In today’s posts, I will discuss how practicing gratitude can transform your experience as a mom.
What Is Gratitude, Really?
The word gratitude comes from the Latin word gratia, meaning grace, graciousness, or gratefulness. Practicing gratitude is simply being thankful and showing appreciation for what you already have rather than focusing on what you don’t have. It’s about acknowledging the goodness in your life and recognizing that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside yourself. It means you have to believe that there is something or someone greater than yourself to whom you are thankful to, what and who that is, is up to you.
The Science behind Practising Gratitude
According to health.havardd.edu, gratitude is linked with greater happiness. Practicing Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build stronger relationships. In fact, a research conducted by Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami, where the participants were separated into two groups; one group would write about things they were grateful for that had occurred during the week and the other group would write about daily irritations or things that had displeased them. After 10 weeks, those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic and felt better about their lives.
My life Before I started Practising Gratitude
I had my first baby when I was in my final year of law school, my second when I just started my legal career, and my third during my third during grad-school, so to say motherhood was overwhelming during the early years is an understatement. It was impossible and still is, for me to keep a spotless house with two small children running around and a baby. The smallest things such as stepping on toys would have me yelling at my kids. Chaos and screaming were the order of the day in my house, and to top it all off, I looked forward to complaining to my husband about how difficult motherhood was for me and that the kids are not listening. Shamefully,I was like the participants in the second group.
How Practising Gratitude Has Changed My Life
I remember not too long ago, I was reading Tabatha Brown’s book “Feeding The Soul” and that’s when I first discovered the concept of practicing gratitude. I started to appreciate what would seem like the small things in my life, such as my health, my children’s health, my husband’s health, and wisdom etc. Leading with this kind of mindset helped me to put my annoyance, irritations and wants in their proper place and be grateful for what I have. It’s amazing how having this mindset has changed my life!
It Helps Me to Focus on the Positive
It’s easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of parenting, such as worriny about your children’s development, their grades, how dirty they have made the house and yada yada yada.But, by practicing gratitude, you can focus on the positive things. How healthy your children are, how happy they are, and how much they love you. When you focus on these good things, you’ll be happier and more content. By being happier, you’ll be able to parent with more patience and understanding, which is exactly what
It Improves My Relationship with My Kids
Practicing gratitude definitely helped to improve my relationship with my kids. By appreciating the small things that my children do, rather than constantly screaming and correcting the negative things,I feel a stronger bond between myself and my kids. Taking the time to thank them for doing something thoughtful or kind can go a long way too.
It Makes Me More Resilient
I keep saying it, motherhood can be challenging, and there will be times when things don’t go as planned on these occasions practicing gratitude has helped me to become more resilient in the face of adversity. By focusing on the positive aspects of motherhood, I am better equipped to handle difficult situations. I bounce back more quickly from setbacks and am better prepared to handle any challenges that come my way.
It improves My Overall Well-being
Practicing gratitude has been shown to improve overall well-being. By being grateful for what I have, I am more satisfied with my life. This definitely helps to reduce stress and anxieties in my life which in turn makes me a happier and more relaxed mom. By being more relaxed, I am able to enjoy my time with my children more fully.
Sets a Positive Example for My Kids
As a mom, I understand that I am the biggest role model for my kids. By practicing gratitude, I am setting a positive example for my children to follow. My children will learn to appreciate the small things in life and be more grateful for what they have. This can help them develop a positive attitude toward life and increase their overall well-being.
Practicing gratitude is quite easy and it has made me a much better mom. Some people start their conscious gratitude journey by using a gratitude Journal, where they would list all the things they are grateful for.
By incorporating gratitude into my daily routine, I have become a happier and more fulfilled mom. So take a moment each day to appreciate the small moments of motherhood, and watch as your life and your relationship with your children improve.
Until next time, XOXO Monica !
