When I think of my life, I realise that it has been a crazy journey to date. As long as 21 years may feel like, I believe that these years just flew by. For the most part, though, I was just surviving.

I spent my teenage years working hard to score good marks. Spent college juggling between academic and extracurriculars to land a well-paying job. The job was spent chasing targets month on month. I am sure most of us feel this way. Because all these things are crucial challenges that we are constantly thinking about. But in the middle of all this chaos, we let go of one opportunity that enables us to truly live in the present each day. The opportunity of ‘practising gratitude’.

Ever since I started practising gratitude, I feel like my life has changed for the better. I started appreciating the small things in life. I started getting better at observing my surroundings. I started transforming into a more thoughtful, positive and hopeful person.

Practising gratitude in everyday life can be difficult for many reasons, like lack of time, forgetfulness, and lack of mindful awareness. I believe that it is the easiest and yet one of the most difficult things to do in life. But today, I am here to tell you that it is not impossible. All you need to do is, be mindful with a few minutes of your time each day.

While talking to a friend, think of how happy their presence makes you feel. You will enjoy the conversation a little bit more. While walking on the street, think of how the vibrant green trees soothe your eyes. This will help you enjoy the walk a little bit more. Before heading to sleep, think of one person or event that made you happy. This will help you enjoy your sleep a little bit more.

Practising gratitude can be easy if you are mindful of it. This week, I encourage you to put your mindfulness hat on and incorporate gratitude into your daily life.

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Express gratitude for the season of life you are in right now.

Feel grateful for your progress and start the month on a positive note.

Find gratitude in the time spent with family, in your season of growth, in the little coffee dates with friends, in the childish things you do and in the people you share these experiences with.

Most importantly, acknowledge the power of gratitude and make permanent room for it in your life.

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