As we make gratitude a habit by practicing it over and over, it becomes part of us. Natural. As natural as complaining. And eventually thankfulness will drive out that demon of grumbling and we’ll experience more and more consistent joy. Here are 6 ways to cultivate thankfulness:

Thank God first thing when you wake up.

I once heard someone say as soon as he wakes he thanks God for the gift of sleep and for his protection during the night. I’ve tried to make this a habit too, thanking God for sleep, for protecting our family, for his mercies new every morning, for his steadfast love and faithfulness.

Keep a thankfulness journal.

After my morning Bible reading I take a few minutes to write one page in a moleskine journal of things I’m thankful for. If I can’t think of anything I start with thanks for the weather or a blessing from the day before. Some write things they’re thankful for on Post-it notes and keep them on a bulletin board. Writing helps me focus plus I can go back and recall blessings and thank God for them later.

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Source: Six ways to cultivate thankfulness and joy | The Blazing Center