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 !

The post How Practicing Gratitude Transformed My Experience as a Mom appeared first on GingerbreadMom.

Have you seen the movie Disappearing Act? There is a scene where Sanaa Lathan’s character after being overwhelmed with work is heading home to her husband and baby. When the reality of leaving work to go into another stressful environment; a dirty home, a screaming baby, and an unhelpful husband, she lost it for a second and walked straight past her apartment. Some moms can testify to those days! We may not walk past our homes but we may spend an extra 10 minutes in the bathroom just to hear our own thoughts.  If this is you, then you definitely need to carve out some time for some much-needed SELFCARE.

Self-care is important for everybody, especially for us moms who often put our needs aside to take care of our families. But it’s crucial to remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your loved ones, and this is where self-care comes in. Self-care is all about taking time for yourself and doing things that make you feel good. It’s a way to recharge your batteries and improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are some self-care tips for moms and self-care items available on Amazon that are both practical and affordable.

Relaxing Bath

 A relaxing bath has tons of health benefits and is an excellent way to unwind and destress after a long day. The warm water helps to soothe tired muscles, improve circulation, and relieve tension. It can also have a calming effect on the mind, reducing anxiety and stress, and can help you to get a good night’s sleep.  Not just that, taking a relaxing bath comes with some cosmetic benefits too. The warm water helps to open up your pores, allowing you to cleanse your skin of impurities and leave it feeling refreshed and revitalized. To create the ultimate relaxing bath time, add some bath bombs and scented candles. You can get these individually or purchase a self-care kit box off  Amazon. These self-care boxes have all the basic items for a relaxing bath.  

Yoga

At its core, yoga is a practice of self-discovery and inner peace. Through regular practice, you can develop a deeper understanding of your body and mind, learn to quiet your thoughts, and find a sense of inner calm.

This sense of inner peace can be especially valuable when it comes to self-care. By taking the time to connect with yourself and practice mindfulness, you can cultivate a deeper sense of self-love and self-acceptance, and find a sense of peace and contentment in the midst of life’s challenges. All you need to start is a yoga mat and some calming music.

Body pillow

Body pillows are is now a growing trend. These pillows are designed to provide comfort and support during sleep and since good sleep is a big part of self-care, these pillows are on my list of self-care items. Body pillows are great for expectant moms, especially during that third trimester when pregnant women are advised not to sleep on their backs. But anyone can use a body pillow. The aim of them is to provide comfort while sleeping and to provide support for your back, hips, and legs. Since sleep is super important, sleep aids are too.

Journaling

Writing down your thoughts, goals, and feelings can be a therapeutic way to relieve stress and improve mental health.

Adult Coloring Book

 Adult coloring books have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They are a fun and simple way for moms to take a break from the stress and responsibilities of everyday life and focus on themselves. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, finding time for self-care can be a challenge. But with adult coloring books, you can enjoy some much-needed relaxation in just a few minutes a day.

Portable massager

Massage therapy is a popular form of self-care, as it can help to reduce stress, relieve pain, and promote relaxation. But with busy schedules and hectic lifestyles, it can be difficult to find time to visit a professional masseuse. A portable massager is a convenient way to get massaged. A portable massager can help relieve muscle tension and stress, making it a great addition to any self-care routine.

All in all, self-care is essential for moms, and taking time for yourself can have a positive impact on your physical, mental, and emotional health. So, make sure to prioritize self-care and do things that make you feel good and refreshed. Remember, when you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to take care of your family and enjoy life to the fullest.

The post From Burnout to Bliss: A Guide to Self-Care for Moms appeared first on GingerbreadMom.