3 Ways To Practice Gratitude When You're A Single Mom
An attitude of gratitude can make all the difference.
getty Raising a child as a single mom is not easy, but you can make the days better by practicing gratitude for everything.
I'm a single mom and whenever I walk to where my daughter loves to ride her little bicycle, I think how immensely grateful and thankful we are for living in a community where people are so friendly, welcoming and diverse.
And these thoughts immediately bring emotions of happiness, ease, and presence in the moment.
It's amazing how our thoughts instantly bring feelings, emotions, and actions in our lives.
I’ve been into the practice of living with gratitude for a long time, and it has changed my life. I’ve realized there is a distinction about having an attitude of gratitude and to practice intentional gratitude by creating a non-negotiable space for gratitude in your family.
According to research from Dr. Robert Emmons, practicing gratitude has proven to be one of the most reliable methods for increasing happiness and life satisfaction. It also increases feelings of optimism, joy, pleasure, enthusiasm, and other positive emotions.
As a single parent, we know that there are good days and bad days but, still, there are many things to be grateful for.
Therefore, I would love to share with you how to practice gratitude living that I teach my clients and practice with my family. I hope that it will bring inspiration for you to start experimenting with it!
With that said, here are the 3 ways to practice gratitude when you're a single mom.
1. Think of the moments you're grateful for
Every night before closing your eyes, scan through your day and identify at least three of those moments that were special and meaningful to you. There is always positive in your day, but sometimes we don’t see it.
This is an opportunity for you to notice and express true appreciation for what it brings to your life. I recommend to do it in writing, first, for 21 days until you've made it into a habit. Later, it will become easier to say it out loud.
For example, you can start with small things such as drinking a cup of coffee in the morning or big things such as a promotion at work or a bonding moment with your child. The intention is to pinpoint and prioritize the positives before ending your day.
Result: You will create a strong habit of gratitude and will end your day with a positive note, instead of thinking about your urgent to-do list items that may bring lots of worry, anxiety and sleepless nights.
2. Ask one gratitude question at family dinner
After being thankful for the food we get to eat, practice the habit of asking each family member to express that one thing that they are grateful for today.
Result: It will bring a habit of slowing down, reflecting through the day, sharing with each other about experiences that are important to them, opening up to meaningful conversations and bonding experiences.
3. Tell storytime around gratitude with your little ones
In my humble opinion, the concept of gratitude living should be introduced early on to kids.
It is the foundation of a way of living that will prepare them to face the negative bombardment in our society and allow them to reframe their thinking into what really is important in life and what will give them joy.
Result: The way will be paved for them to lead a happy life.
I hope my two cents plants a seed of self-reflection and creates awareness to practice gratitude living.
I assure you that it will make single parenting much more enjoyable as well as make a huge difference in your daily life!
Socary Rodriguez is a Certified Life Transitions Coach and Reinvention Strategist who works with women undergoing major life transitions in relationships and guides them to remember their courage, self-worth, and joy. Read more of her writing on healing from divorce on Thrive Global, Elephant Journal, or YourTango and book a Clarity Call so that you feel supported, joyful and energized no matter how crazy life gets!