Finding other words for gratitude
Such a Simple and Beautiful Phrase
I stumbled across a beautiful tiny story that Elizabeth Gilbert shared on instagram. It is a brilliant story of gratitude that did not include the word gratitude.
Once upon a time I went for a walk and met a beautiful horse, and we made friends with each other and talked for a while. This is why I like the world. Because of things like this. The end. ❤️
This story touched me and ever since reading it I have used it to inspire gratitude in the way I am seeing the world. On Saturday I was admiring a huge quince tree covered in gnarled bark. It appeared to be covered with tiny budding leaves and white blossoms. But upon closer examination it was clear that there was not a blossom on the tree. Instead if was the fuzzy leaves reflecting the bright springtime sun. It made me smile. It made me think that this was why I like the world.
All of this is a reminder to me of the importance of using other words besides gratitude to convey my gratitude. It helps reinvigorate my practice and it opens up even more to be grateful for. Here is a list of words and phrases that we can use instead of grateful:
- I appreciate
- I notice
- I value
- I’m pleased by
- I’m humbled by
- I am in awe of
- I am filled with joy for
- I appreciate these good things
- I welcomed
- I enjoyed
- I admire
- I am moved by
- I like
- I love
- I acknowledge
- I give thanks for
- I am pleased by
- I celebrate
- This was good in my life today
- This gives me hope
- I am energized by
- This lifts my heart
- I am privileged to experience
- I experienced a lovely moment
- I am blessed with
- I am fulfilled by
- I experienced pleasure through
- I like the world because
Try out a few different words and see how it shifts your gratitude practice this week.
I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, “If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is”.
~Kurt Vonnegut
What do you like about the world in this moment?
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[su_note note_color=”#e7e7e7″ text_color=”#686767″ radius=”0″] My gratitude journey started in May 2011 and continues to this day. Thank you for being a part of it! A daily gratitude practice is simple. Write down three things you are grateful for each day. Download your free GratitudeGuide. My clients focus on gratitude and learn from their successes to make the positive changes they want in their lives. You can too. Call me to set up our first meeting 505.333.9336. [/su_note]