Gratitude for Writers
Studies have shown that gratitude can help to support mental—and even physical—health. When we practice gratitude, we are taking our eyes off of ourselves and focusing on the good, beautiful, and worthwhile things around us. In a world rife with stress and anxiety, getting out of our own heads can feel like a luxury.
Writers are no exception. The isolation, the sting of rejection, and the discouragement of pouring our hearts into a project that goes unseen or unappreciated can be a heavy burden to bear. For all our good intentions, it can be difficult not to become self-absorbed.
So. Gratitude. It is ridiculously simple to implement, and yet when we find ourselves spiraling into discouragement and self-pity, it can be the driving force that alters the trajectory of our hearts and minds.
Here are a few ideas to help get you looking up and out instead of down and in:
1) Be thankful for your problems. When faced with rejection or discouragement, shift your focus from the situation to the way those difficulties are shaping your character and helping you grow. It’s uncomfortable—grueling, even—but getting to decide who we become in the midst of our challenges is an incredible privilege. Take advantage of every hard moment, every frustration. Let your challenges inform your thoughts, words, and actions. Who do you want to become, despite the odds?
2) Be thankful for the people who have made an impact on your life. And not just the obvious ones that first come to mind. Who has helped you or supported you in a meaningful way in the past? Who has brought you genuine joy? Just taking the time to think about the people you are grateful for can help to shift your perspective, but if you want to take it a step further, reach out to some of them. Tell them how much their presence has meant to you!
3) Be thankful for the little wins. They’re there, I promise. Little accomplishments, little joys, little moments of becoming the person you want to become. Notice them and celebrate them.
4) Be thankful for your health. Of course, some of you may be dealing with health concerns—some serious, other just painful or inconvenient. But all of us, regardless of our physical condition, can take a moment each day to tune in with our bodies and appreciate the parts that ARE working well. Think about your heart, faithfully pumping away. Think about your diaphragm, pulling air in and out of your lungs. Think about the muscles that move the way they should and the organs that function the way they should. Thank your body for working so hard to support you as you write.
5) Be thankful for the writing process. Try to relax into the ups and downs. Appreciate the way your brain works, the thoughts and creativity that allow you to see the world in your own unique way. Appreciate the dry moments when you must rely on dedication rather than inspiration. Appreciate the excitement of new ideas. Appreciate the moments when you land on the perfect words, the perfect way to articulate an idea. Be grateful that the journey isn’t always a smooth one because honestly, that would be pretty boring. Keep your head up and look for the hidden joy along the way.
Practical Tip: Think of something you are grateful for every time you turn on a light. If you don’t turn on that many lights, you could choose a different action to cue you to gratitude—washing your hands or drinking water. This can help to transform your thought patterns throughout the day.