One of the simplest ways to conquer your money fears is through cultivating a  “Daily Gratitude” practice. In fact, there is a great deal of scientific evidence that suggests that a daily dose of gratitude can help  reduce stress and depression. In a recent study conducted by Professors Michael McCullough and Robert Emmons, it was determined that the simple act of making a daily gratitude list can also help to increase your level of alertness, determination, optimism and energy.

I routinely have my clients make gratitude lists to combat their money fears and have seen the benefits of this personally in my practice. Sometimes it’s the simple things that work the best. (Of course, in addition to daily gratitude we also need to continue taking positive actions towards improving our financial circumstances.) 

No matter how challenging your personal and financial circumstances
are, a daily gratitude practice will help keep your attention focused
on what you do have to be grateful for in your life.

Sometimes, we can become so hyper-focused on our difficulties that we  overlook the good things in our lives that are right in front of us. However,
it is exactly during our most challenging times, that we most need to
remind ourselves of the good that exists in our lives right now. A daily prayer
and gratitude practice can help sustain us and see us through our most
difficult times.

It is important to remember that your circumstances are not
who you are, but where you are. So please don’t let your circumstances define you. In time, the hard times will
fade, yet what you have to be grateful for will remain, provided
you haven’t failed to honor and appreciate them for
the true blessings that they are.

Here’s what I invite you to do:

Begin each day by making a list of ten things
that you are grateful for. Carry this list with you and whenever you feel anxious or stressful, take out the list as a reminder of the beauty in your life. 

Here is my “Gratitude List” for today:

    I am grateful and blessed by God’s love, guidance and support.
    I am grateful and blessed for my sweet and healthy daughter.
    I am grateful and blessed for my loving husband.
    I am grateful and blessed by my dog, Goldie (she’s actually an angel with fur!)
    I am grateful and blessed by purposeful work as a Money Coach, writer and teacher.
    I am grateful and blessed by my appreciative and loving friends.
    I am grateful and blessed for our home and community.
    I am grateful and blessed with a healthy mind, body and spirit.
    I am grateful and blessed by my wonderful clients.
    I am grateful and blessed by having enough of everything I need for today and for the faith that I will have enough tomorrow.

What are you grateful for today?

Share you gratitude list with me and our Beliefnet readers!

Here’s a Blessing of Gratitude for today:

There is nothing I can give you
Which you do not have;
But there is much, very much, that
While I cannot give it, you can take.
No heaven can come to us unless our hearts
Find rest in today. Take heaven!
No peace lies in the future which is not hidden
In this present instant. Take peace!
The gloom in the world is but a shadow.
Behind it, yet within reach, is joy.
There is a radiance and glory in the darkness,
Could we but see.
And to see, we have only to look.
I beseech you to look.

~ Fra Giovanni (1513 A.D.)

Peace and Blessings!