"For me, appreciation and gratitude are two of the most spiritual emotions, actively expressing through thoughts and actions." - Anthony Robbins

Appreciation and gratitude are positive emotional states that show your sense of thankfulness. You see the good and the best in every situation.

Cultivating these emotions nurture the soul because they positively affect your mental and spiritual well being.

How to cultivate the sense of appreciation and gratitude?

• Find what is the best in every situation.

Good and bad things happen to us all. A few of us are more unfortunate than others and experience less in life. Grateful individuals look at their blessings even if they are going through unpleasant and miserable experiences.

Become aware that the situation or trouble is temporary. Appreciate and feel thankful for what you still have like your family, your job and being able to do what you are good and refuse to discourage yourself with the unpleasant. Mirror and recall pleasant memories to boost your optimism and hope.

• Count your blessings and practice writing down a list of things that you appreciate and bring a sense of gratefulness.

List down in your gratitude journal, things which make you feel thankful. Remember those people who inspired you today.

Write down the good things that happened. Think of the great food that you had today and the peaceful sleep that you had last night.

Recognize the wonders that happen each day and get curious about them. Refuse to take things for granted.

Enjoy the time with your children while you still can play with them because soon they will grow up and leave.

Show your appreciation by spending more time with your parents. They may not live around for long.

Take a look at what you have learned, are able to teach and the remarkable things you have accomplished with your understanding and determination.

• Thank God for the benefits that you have.

What are you grateful about in your life right now? If you are still breathing and enjoying a sound physical health and mind, you have every reason to feel grateful.

Why spend days worrying about what had happened or what you missed out. You are alive and can still enjoy the basic goods of life. People and experiences present themselves to teach you lessons that you can use if you are able to recognize their contributions.

A sense of appreciation and gratitude for the wonders and the existence of life around you are gifts that are consoling. Pay attention and expect the best from life and you will attract them.

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