Recently I was on a Zoom call with my friend Holly Rigsby, and some of her members, and I remembered something very very important.

We were talking about a couple of the most common ways to express gratitude - writing in a gratitude journal and writing thank you cards.

And that's when I remembered - not everyone likes to do those things.

It's important to find what works for you.

If you don't like writing in a gratitude journal or writing thank you cards, don't do it.

It's OK!

Look, I believe everyone should practice gratitude, but there are so many ways to do so, that you should choose a way that feels good to you.

A way that you'll stick with and create a habit around.

Remember, when you have more gratitude in your life, you'll have more happiness in your life.

Here are 5 other ways to make gratitude a part of your life, besides journaling and thank you cards.

1) Live In The Now: It’s easy to dwell on the negatives of the past or worry about the future. If you can live in the moment and take in everything as they happen, you’ll discover joys that are often overlooked. There are joys of watching your child play, the smell of coffee at the local coffeehouse, the conversation with your friend across the table (instead of checking Facebook) and the smell of rain. Relish and embrace these moments.

2) Flash A Smile: A lot of people don’t smile these days, and often you have to be the one that initiates it. But not only does smiling make you feel good, smiling at someone will make their day too. Smile more and watch how your day can instantly turn around. While you’re at it, give compliments too. Be sincere - find something about the person that you appreciate and let them know.

3) Volunteer: Give back to your community. Whether you feed the homeless, build a playground for kids or volunteer at an animal shelter, find something that will allow you to make a positive impact in the lives of others. This will make you feel great!

4) Create An Impact Video: Make a video for someone that has impacted your life and send it to them. Really make it heartfelt and tell the other person not only that they have impacted you, but how. They will love it.

5) Practice Random Acts of Kindness: Through your generosity, you can positively affect another person’s life and bring joy to yourself from having done so. It can be giving a care package to the homeless, handing out roses to random strangers or buying someone in line a cup of coffee.

Put one or more of these into practice and you will live with more happiness, joy and optimism!