Life happens to all of us, but it also happens for us. This means that how you view life can help you change your perspective for the better, even if challenges abound. Of course, if you’re struggling with a real difficulty, like the loss of a loved one, having someone tell you to “just shift your thinking” is hardly going to help, and it would be quite rude besides.
That being said, the core principle of shifting how you usually view things can be a very healthy approach to take, especially as we become older and a little set in our ways. It’s good to challenge why you think the way you do, and to see if they’re serving quite as you want them to. After all, if we change the way we look at the world, it can seem like a better or worse place depending on our point of view.
In this post, then, we’ll discuss four principles you can adhere to in order to make life a little more comfortable, calm, and connected, while also feeling more nourished in general.
1. Practice Gratitude
Even if you have little to be grateful for in life, you still have something to appreciate. Even if it’s just the fact that you’re here for another day and have the chance to try again. It’s not that you’re entitled or aren’t looking at things correctly, but rather that making a concerted effort to be more grateful helps you see more of worth in the world around you, and simpler, more satisfying things to be happy for as well.
For example, if you had a roof over your head, a meal to great you this morning, and clothes on your back, that’s something to be grateful for, as much as we take it for granted.
2. Forgive With Grace
Forgiveness is often painted as something we do for another person, and while that can be true, it’s also a virtue we practice for ourselves. Forgiveness and forgiving, even if they seem impossible, can help you let go of the hardship or bitterness that might be holding you back. Even if someone has genuinely wronged you, forgiveness allows you to move on.
It’s perhaps the most mature of decisions anyone can make, which is why it’s considered the highest virtue. But doing so can also help you feel like a new person, free from the hardships or even harsh feelings that could have harmed you in the past.
3. Live More Modestly
By this we don’t mean limit yourself, stop expressing yourself, or don’t engage in activities like wearing what you want to wear or dating who you want to date. What we mean by “modest” simply means not doing this for the benefit of anyone but those you love and yourself. This way, you don’t have to seek validation in anything, you do things for their own sake, and you won’t need to ask permission either. It’s a powerful way to live, and one that helps you thrive.
While life’s challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, how we choose to approach those challenges can make all the difference. By practicing gratitude, forgiving with grace, and living more modestly, we cultivate habits that help us feel grounded, content, and in control of our own happiness.
Remember, these principles aren’t about achieving perfection, but about finding small ways to nourish your mind and spirit each day. Take things one step at a time, and you’ll find that with the right mindset, life can become a little more peaceful, a little more meaningful, and a lot more fulfilling.