Learning to be content and thankful for all the blessings in your relationship instead of harping on the shortcomings.
Christmas, birthdays, Valentine’s Day and anniversaries - the days most people seem to show a blast of love and gratitude towards their partners. Whereas on ‘normal’ days, daily complaints and stress set a tone of misery, boredom and frustration in some relationships. I know couples that treat each other badly most of the time, yet they find the energy to celebrate special occasions for the pictures and image control. They then go home feeling just as unhappy and bitter as they did the day before. Tell me, is this right? If all you do is complain and seek negatives daily how can you ever see the joy and happiness that’s right in front of your eyes. Problems are everywhere and every person is going through his/her battles but know this, blessings are everywhere, and you better learn the art of appreciating them before it’s too late.
As the level of commitment grows in relationships, it seems both partners tend to get so fixed and comfortable with one another, they often assume that they have to do certain roles daily because it is expected. This is a gentle reminder that nobody in this lifetime has to do anything for you. Every helpful thing they do, is a choice that they make and regardless if it is big or small, we need to be thankful that they are doing it. With that being said, sit back and ask yourself when was the last time you told your significant other that you appreciate him/her and his/her efforts? If you cannot remember, I suggest you do so today and begin this journey into a grateful mindset. Being grateful is such a beautiful habit that can be started by following simple and effective steps.
The next time someone does something kind or simply helpful resulting in your day being easier, say thank you. If your partner takes out the trash, say thank you. If your partner gets the groceries out of the car, say thank you. It is that easy and even better if its done with a smile. If you are not a verbal person write a sticky note and place it on the fridge or buy a cute card. Gratitude is contagious and it brings light into dark situations, reawakening feelings of contentment and positivity. The person you love should never question if you value his/her support and presence in your life. Before you know it, you will find joy in saying thank you to everyone who may cross your path - from the random waitress to your parents at home - it is the gift of appreciation that keeps giving.
Do all things with a pure heart and mind, expect nothing and allow things to fall naturally into place. Today, instead of listing all the things your partner does not do, think about all the sacrifices he/she has made in the past and still continue to carry out. Spare no opportunity to voice your appreciation. By doing so, gratitude may cause a chain reaction to occur. Your loved one will reciprocate the same desire to show care towards you, allowing the relationship to grow in more ways than one. We should all be going home to an atmosphere of good vibes. Staying stagnant and allowing your pride to stop you from breaking unhealthy patterns will just suck the joy out of your union. Always bear in mind that the change starts with you.
Work on boosting your mood and being grateful by making a list of things for which you are thankful. Trust me, it doesn’t have to be really in-depth, keep it simple and it will flow. For example, your bed, your education, the food in your fridge, your ability to see, walk or talk. It is going to be the longest list you make and for every blessing on your list, remember that there is someone who lives without it. How lucky we are to be alive and to thrive each day. Make it a daily habit to say in your mind, one of those things on your list. Additionally, look around and be thankful for something that is happening at that very moment, like good weather, a sunset or water flowing out of your tap. Some people even choose to write a short blessing list daily and reread all the good things listed over time. Even better, this can be done by couples as an amazing bonding exercise.
Your relationship will grow based on what you feed it. Choose to nourish it with a huge cup of gratitude and serving of love today.