Gratitude Challenge Day 36 - Experiencing Gratitude

Discover how experiencing gratitude daily can boost happiness, improve wellbeing, and foster positive connections. Join Day 36 of the Gratitude Challenge!

Welcome to Gratitude Challenge Day 36! Today’s focus is on truly experiencing gratitude in everyday life. Learn practical tips to feel more grateful, boost your happiness, and strengthen your relationships. Join the journey to a more positive and fulfilled you—don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for daily inspiration!

I’m Trevor Lund, the Creative Storyteller at https://revtrev.com, the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca and your host inside the Live LIGHT Cascade Chalet http://revtrev.link/chalet

Every day for 70 days I’m going to give thanks with my whole heart. That means I’m going to decide to give thanks, feel gratitude and show appreciation for what I feel gratitude for. And I invite you to join me.

Also for every day for 70 days I’m going to live cast podcast and blog. If you want to catch me live, go to https://revtrev.com/tv and subscribe and set notifications to catch me live on YouTube or https://revtrev.com/fb and like and set notification to catch me live on FB or follow on X at https://revtrev.com/x and be notified there.Catch the podcast at https://revtrev.com/radio and the blog at https://revtrev.com/blog Or learn more about about the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge at https://revtrev.link/thanks

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Gratitude Challenge Day 36 – Experiencing Gratitude

Have you ever paused in your busy day and truly felt grateful—not just thought about gratitude, but experienced it deep within your heart? Today, on Day 36 of our Gratitude Challenge, we’ll dive into the power and practice of experiencing gratitude. Whether you’re new to this journey or have been following along, this is a fresh opportunity to transform how you see God’s blessings in your life.

What Does Experiencing Gratitude Really Mean?

Experiencing gratitude goes beyond saying “thank you” or keeping a gratitude journal. It’s about allowing thankfulness to shape your mood, actions, and faith. When you experience gratitude:

You notice everyday blessings.
You respond to challenges with peace.
You feel closer to God and others.

Related Keywords:

Thankfulness
Christian gratitude
Blessings

Why Is Experiencing Gratitude Important for Christians?

Scripture reminds us again and again to be thankful. One powerful example is:

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

Experiencing gratitude helps us obey this command—not just as an action but as a heart posture. It:

Aligns our focus with God’s goodness.
Strengthens our relationships.
Promotes emotional and spiritual well-being.

How Can You Experience Gratitude Daily?

Many people ask: “How do I move from thinking about gratitude to truly experiencing it?” Here are three practical steps:

1. Pause and Reflect

Take a few minutes each day to quietly reflect. Ask yourself:

What did God provide today?
Which small moments brought joy?
How did someone bless me today?

2. Express Thankfulness Out Loud

Speak your gratitude in prayer or conversation. For example:

Pray: “Lord, thank you for today’s sunshine.”
Tell a friend: “I appreciate your encouragement.”

3. Act on Your Gratitude

Let gratitude inspire action:

Send a thank-you note.
Volunteer in your community.
Share a testimony of God’s goodness.

Common Questions About Experiencing Gratitude

Q: What if I don’t feel grateful?
A: Start small. Ask God to open your eyes to blessings (James 1:17). Sometimes, simply noticing one good thing can spark genuine gratitude.

Q: Can I be grateful in hard times?
A: Yes! Paul wrote Philippians while in prison, yet he said, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). Experiencing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring pain—it means finding hope in God’s faithfulness.

Q: Does experiencing gratitude change my relationship with others?
A: Absolutely. A grateful heart is more patient, loving, and generous (Colossians 3:15).

Conclusion: Take the Next Step in Your Gratitude Journey

Experiencing gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s a spiritual practice that can transform your faith, relationships, and outlook on life. As you continue this challenge, pray for a deeper awareness of God’s blessings.

Have you experienced gratitude in a new way recently?
Share your story in the comments below!
If this post encouraged you, please share it with a friend or subscribe for more daily inspiration.

Gratitude turns what we have into enough—especially when we see our lives through God’s eyes.

Today’s 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Question

Can expressing gratitude really change my life?

Expressing gratitude has a multitude of benefits that can impact various aspects of an individual's life, including mental health, physical health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Mental Health Benefits

Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Practicing gratitude can decrease stress hormones, leading to a reduction in anxiety and an improvement in mood. This is achieved through the release of serotonin and dopamine, chemicals associated with happiness and pleasure[2][3][4].
Improved Mental Health: Gratitude writing and other practices have been shown to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even brief gratitude practices can be more beneficial than counseling alone in some cases[1][2][3].
Better Sleep: Expressing gratitude, especially before bed, can lead to higher quality sleep and fewer sleep disturbances. This is partly because it allows individuals to fall asleep with a more positive outlook[2][3].

Physical Health Benefits

Improved Cardiovascular Health: Gratitude can lead to lower blood pressure and levels of inflammation, contributing to better overall cardiovascular health[2][3].
Healthier Behaviors: Grateful individuals are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, as they tend to view these choices as opportunities rather than obstacles[2][3].
Immunity and Pain Management: Studies suggest that gratitude can improve immunityand reduce difficulties with chronic pain[3].

Relationship and Social Benefits

Stronger Relationships: Expressing gratitude to others strengthens bonds and opens the door for more positive interactions. It shows others that they are valued and appreciated, encouraging them to continue their supportive behaviors[2][5].
Prosocial Behavior: Being on the receiving end of gratitude can lead even acquaintances to be more helpful and generous, creating a chain reaction of prosocial behavior[2][5].

Cognitive and Emotional Benefits

Increased Optimism and Patience: Practicing gratitude can increase optimism and patience. It helps individuals view challenges as opportunities rather than hurdles, improving their emotional resiliency[2][4].
Better Focus and Self-Esteem: Gratitude can improve focus by allowing individuals to view tasks in a more positive light, reducing stress. It also enhances self-esteem by helping individuals realize their worth through the appreciation of others[2][5].
Reduced Comparison and Negative Emotions: Living a life of gratitude reduces the urge to compare oneself to others and shifts attention away from toxic emotions like resentment and envy[1][5].

Neurological Benefits

Brain Activity Changes: Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can lead to greater activation in the medial prefrontal cortex, a brain area associated with learning and decision making. This suggests that gratitude may help train the brain to be more sensitive to the experience of gratitude over time[1][2].

Practical Ways to Practice Gratitude

Gratitude Journals: Writing down things you are thankful for each day can train your mind to focus on the positive aspects of life, enhancing overall well-being[2][5].
Daily Reflection: Starting the day by thinking of someone or something you are grateful for can set a positive tone for the day[3][5].
Mindfulness and Meditation: Combining mindfulness with gratitude practices, such as gratitude meditation, can help individuals appreciate the present moment more fully[5].

In summary, expressing gratitude is a powerful practice that can lead to significant improvements in mental and physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Sources:

How I can help you do a 70-Day Gratitude Challenge

Unlock a deeper, richer experience of gratitude with the Live LIGHT with Your Whole Heart Course, exclusively available when you choose the Course + Community + Clarity option. This unique course draws from timeless wisdom—revealing the 9 things the Bible tells us to do with our whole heart. You'll discover practical ways to live each of these out, not just in theory, but in the everyday moments that matter most. Through guided lessons, real-world exercises, and ongoing support, you'll learn how to bring your whole heart to your faith, relationships, work, and personal growth. If you're ready for lasting transformation—where gratitude becomes second nature and every day is lived fully—this is your next step. Visit https://revtrev.link/thanks to get started or just get the course at https://revtrev.link/heart

Next Steps

Check out https://revtrev.link/thanks and learn how I can help you get involved in the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge or do one on your own.

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