This is something is very personal to me. Silent gratitude.
If you know me in any personal capacity, you know my mind is constantly racing. Sometimes, it works to my benefit and other times I have to beg for silence. I've learned over the years that the best way for me to self-calm the chaos is to practice silent gratitude. What I mean by that is having quiet, heartfelt appreciation for someone or something that doesn't need words. It's a feeling that washes over you when you pause and take a moment to see the beauty in something simple- the warmth of sunlight, your person's smile, or the peace of a still moment. It lives in the heart rather than on the tongue, expressed through presence, small gestures, and the calm awareness of how blessed you truly are.
That's it. That's the advice.
If/when you find your mind starting to wander in a less than desirable direction, stop what you're doing, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose. Feel the cool air as it enters your nostrils, down your throat and into your chest. Hold it there for a few seconds and then slowly exhale through your mouth. Do this a couple of times (or as many times as you need) before opening your eyes. Once you do, take a look around you. Soak in your surroundings. Focus your attention on something or someone you are grateful for. Think about how they make you feel. Think about the little things that make your soul light up and your heart smile. Daydream about your favorite memory with them or the special moment you shared in the kitchen last week. Take all the time you need.
This is silent gratitude.
It doesn't need to be a loud gesture. You don't have to post about it. You don't even have to share it with THEM. Silent gratitude is for you.