+1: #25 - Grateful Flow

In our last +1, we chatted about the scientifically-proven power of gratitude: Simply writing down 5 things you're grateful for can boost your happiness up to 25%. (Wow.) Here's another way to practice the magic of gratitude right in the moment when you need it most. The Tools guys call it "Grateful Flow" and it's one of their ways to deal with any negative feelings you might be experiencing—overwhelm, depression, that sort of ick sauce. Here's the quick take on how to put the tool into practice: The moment you're aware that a cloud of ick is floating into your day, step back, take a deep breath and simply look around you and notice things you can be grateful for. For example, right now I'm grateful for the computer I'm working on, the bottle of water I just drank from, my wife and kids, the beautiful mountain out my window, my health, you, and so much more. That's Grateful Flow. Tiny little things in our life that we can either take for granted or appreciate. Note: It's impossible (!) to be in a state of gratitude AND be in a state of misery at the same time. (Don't believe me? Try it.) So… The next time you're starting to feel a little stressed: Take a deep breath and turn on the Grateful Flow! How about some practice right now? What tiny things can you appreciate? (Let's live from that place!)