Latest / 5–Minute Parenting: Tips to Help You Raise Competent, Godly Kids. / One Simple Technique to Live a Life of Gratitude w/Host Karen Ferguson

Transcript

One Simple Technique to Live a Life of Gratitude w/Host Karen Ferguson · 5–Minute Parenting: Tips to Help You Raise Competent, Godly Kids.

• 0:01
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to another episode of the Five Minute Parenting Podcast.
• 0:05
  SPEAKER_00: I'm your host, Karen Ferguson, wife, mom, grandmom, and children's book author with a background in K-8 education and a passion for equipping parents to raise confident and God-confident kids.
• 0:17
  SPEAKER_00: In this podcast, we'll cover parenting practices from both a practical view and a biblical view.
• 0:23
  SPEAKER_00: Our goal is to help you raise kids with a positive, godly self-image so they can become all they were created to be.
• 0:30
  SPEAKER_00: I know you're busy, so we'll keep it short.
• 0:32
  SPEAKER_00: Let's take just five minutes and dive in.
• 0:45
  SPEAKER_00: That's a question that might make most of us cringe, I know, but it is important to think about.
• 0:50
  SPEAKER_00: Grateful people think differently and they act differently.
• 0:54
  SPEAKER_00: Have you ever met a negative grateful person?
• 0:57
  SPEAKER_00: Well, that's an oxymoron because when our thoughts are focused on positive things, we become more positive people.
• 1:04
  SPEAKER_00: People who express gratitude more often are known to be happier and healthier.
• 1:08
  SPEAKER_00: They sleep better, have higher self-esteem, and generally enjoy better mental and emotional health.
• 1:14
  SPEAKER_00: Pretty good results for something that doesn't cost a thing.
• 1:17
  SPEAKER_00: So whenever you feel like complaining or find yourself spiraling downward into that negative place that we can all go to, I encourage you to think of three things you can be thankful for instead.
• 1:29
  SPEAKER_00: I remember a friend listening to me several years ago when I was having a hard time, venting about everything that was wrong in my life and in some people around me.
• 1:39
  SPEAKER_00: She was patient with my rantings, and then she shared something she does when she starts to operate with that critical, ungrateful mindset.
• 1:47
  SPEAKER_00: She immediately stops herself and finds three specific things she appreciates about that person, that circumstance, or her life in general.
• 1:56
  SPEAKER_00: I took her advice to heart and tested it out for a week, and I was blown away.
• 2:02
  SPEAKER_00: That one simple practice helped me to let go of offense quicker than usual, and it gave me a new perspective about others, myself, and my circumstances.
• 2:12
  SPEAKER_00: So if you ever find yourself stuck in a rut, focusing on all the negatives, give it a try and then take it a step further and develop a daily practice.
• 2:22
  SPEAKER_00: Grab a journal and take time to write down at least three things you're grateful for at the beginning and end of each day.
• 2:29
  SPEAKER_00: This will set the right intentions for your day, and you'll soon discover it easier to be grateful throughout your day.
• 2:36
  SPEAKER_00: It will also help prepare you for a peaceful night's sleep.
• 2:40
  SPEAKER_00: Now I know the term attitude of gratitude may seem overdone, but it is essential to living a positive, healthy life.
• 2:47
  SPEAKER_00: And it's biblical.
• 2:49
  SPEAKER_00: 1 Thessalonians 5.18 says to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
• 2:58
  SPEAKER_00: And in Philippians 4.8, one of my favorite verses, it says, Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.
• 3:20
  SPEAKER_00: This is something important to teach our kids too, and they certainly learn the best by watching our example.
• 3:26
  SPEAKER_00: So if you find yourself feeling a little down or negative, I have a free daily gratitude journal you can download to get started on this practice.
• 3:35
  SPEAKER_00: I also have one for your kiddos too, so be sure to check the show notes for those links.
• 3:41
  SPEAKER_00: Well, that is it for today.
• 3:43
  SPEAKER_00: I pray this episode is a blessing to you, and please share it with someone else who needs encouragement.
• 3:48
  SPEAKER_00: Until next time, have a blessed week.