This week, I’m talking about how gratitude changes your outlook on money. This whole week I’ve been talking about how gratitude is the foundation for being more patient, being more content with what you have, and saving, giving, and spending in ways that are consistent with your values, but the question then becomes - how do I get started with practicing gratitude so I can enjoy its fruits? 

The easiest way to start is to make a concerted effort to notice the good in each day. A daily reflection time at the end of the day is perfect for this. It will help you appreciate the goodness of each day and will also train you to pay more attention in the moment. Although I have fallen out of the practice of this myself, I have done this in the past and it has worked wonders in helping me become more aware of the graces in each day. 

Find ways to say thank you more, do acts of kindness for others and be more present with your loved ones. 

Write thank you cards or send a text to someone just telling them how much you appreciate them. 

Incorporating gratitude into your daily prayer time, or if prayer isn’t your thing - incorporating it into a daily meditation or mindfulness practice. 

Go on a no complaint diet. I did this about 4 years ago and it really helped me cut down on my complaining which in turn helped me to appreciate the good things rather than dwelling on what I didn’t like.

In his book Atomic Habits, author James Clear talks about the power of attaching a new habit to something you’re already doing as a way to make that habit stick. For example, if you have a daily quiet time with your cup of coffee, switching from reading the news or scrolling on your phone to a gratitude reflection time or journaling is an easier way to add that new habit into your life, because you’re attaching it to something you already enjoy doing and creating powerful associations in your mind. 

That’s it for today. I hope some of those ideas are helpful in getting started.

Thanks for listening. My name is Ashley Micciche and this is the One Minute Retirement Tip.

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