PRACTICING | GRATITUDE

by dailykongfidence

Lately I have found myself lecturing my kids about gratitude. Growing up significantly more privileged than I did, I can see how they feel entitled at times and forget how to appreciate the little things in life and take them for granted. Many times I see them upset if they can’t have something immediately or they play the victim card like the whole world is against them and life is so unfair. Sure, they are young and a part of this attitude stems from their immaturity, but I also see a huge opportunity for a shift in their mindset.

The act of graciousness doesn’t only affect kids, it affects us all at any age. It’s funny because something so simple as being grateful should come easy, but sadly our minds and hearts aren’t wired to think this way. We have to practice it every day until it becomes habit.

They say that when you practice gratitude and start seeing things in a more positive light your world changes. There are so many little ways we can practice gratitude on a daily basis so that they eventually become routine. While I can lecture my kids about being gracious until I am blue in the face, the best way to teach them is through example. I’ve been using the following tips to help me practice gratitude so that in turn that can reflect onto my kids.

/ Gratitude Tips /
1. Tell someone you love them and how much you appreciate them.
2. Smile, it’s hard to smile at someone and not get one back in return.
3. Include an act of kindness each day.
4. Don’t gossip or speak bad of anyone, only negativity can come from this.
5. When you think of a negative thought, try to see the silver lining in the situation.
6. If someone does something nice for you, return the kind act.
7. Say thank you for the little things people do for you.
8. Call your mom often.
9. Focus on your strengths.
10. Give a compliment to someone and make their day. It’ll end up making you feel happy too.
11. Keep a gratitude journal. Sounds silly, but once you start taking note of things you are grateful for, it will train your brain to see those things immediately instead of searching for them.
12. Turn everything into a gift, like your smile, laughter, they are all gifts.
13. Share a positive thought on social media.
14. Donate your time or money to a charity or a cause you believe in.
15. Look in the mirror and say, “I am thankful for you.”

Being grateful will put things into perspective so that when you see the good in a bad situation you don’t complain as much (if at all). It also will help you realize what you are blessed with instead of seeing what you think is missing. In essence practicing a life of gratitude will make you happier in general and improve your relationships, productivity, health, and stress.

/ Things I Am Grateful For /
1. To be alive, when you think about the opportunities and adventures that still await you, life looks pretty darn good!
2. My Nespresso machine (on sale for 40% off) because I look forward to that morning cup every single day.
3. Sponsored posts because that means brands respect me, trust me, and value the hard work I put into creating content and they’re willing to pay me for it!
4. YouTube because it literally saved me hours when assembling my daughter’s bike (lifesaver)!
5. Weekends because that’s when I get to “sleep in” (at least till 8AM).
6. Good hair days because nothing makes you feel like a million bucks than a gorgeous head of hair (well, maybe some killer heels).
7. Friends who’ve seen you without makeup and you’ve tooted in front of and still love you for who you are.
8. Freshly laundered sheets and blankets because I love to roll my face in them.
9. Avocado toast…it just never gets old for me.
10. My loyal followers – yes, YOU! I just got my Fohr Card follower quality rating score and it proves that all my hard work is paying off thanks to YOU! I received a 97% which shows that my followers are authentic and brands that work with me know they are getting genuine support and quality. So THANK YOU to my 70K followers who have supported me on this journey. Without you, there would be no @dailykongfidence.

The above are just a few things that I am grateful for. And every night at dinner, I started making my kids write down one thing they are grateful for in a gratitude journal. I also ask them to write one kind thing they did for someone else without being told. I am hoping that after we do this for a month, their mindset will shift to a more positive way of thinking and their gratefulness will be come a habit.

I would love to hear some ways that you practice gratitude?

Top | Vici (old) similar items here, here, and here
Shorts | Lulu’s similar styles here, here, and here
Necklace | Gorjana similar style here
Watch | Piperwest (sold out in white) similar items here, here, and here
Shoes | Topshop similar items here, here, and here
Bag | Strathberry similar styles here and here

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52 comments

Lauren Nakagawa May 16, 2017 - 11:25 am

Loved that you wrote this post. I do believe that gratitude, being humble, and appreciation are undervalued in today’s world. You’re a good mom 🙂 P.S Good job on that FohrCard rating! (I got mine too, I’m so thankful for having patience and knowing that authenticity will prevail, it trumps all!)

xx
Lauren
http://www.shoesandsashimi.com

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dailykongfidence May 16, 2017 - 1:20 pm

Thank you so much Lauren. I appreciate your support truly and thank goodness for Fohr Card! =)

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Mariann Yip May 16, 2017 - 11:51 am

I love your outfit and I am totally obsessed with those shorts since I have the same ones. I try to practice gratitude on a daily basis too and I love that you are instilling this value to your children because it’s extremely important.

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dailykongfidence May 16, 2017 - 1:21 pm

Hi Mariann, yay twinsies on these shorts. I have literally been wearing them nonstop! Glad that you practice daily gratitude…what are some of the things you do, I would love to hear!

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Michelle May 16, 2017 - 2:20 pm

It is a STRUGGLE to teach these kiddos to be grateful and we practice very similar things at our house. Having an attitude of gratitude makes all the difference. So, when it is time for bed each night, we read a little and then we talk about the nice things we did and the nice things we want to do. For me, I tell Addison about the art of paying it forward- how one nice thing you do (a smile, a compliment) for someone might cause that person to do something nice and that is how kindness spreads. I honestly tell my daughter that one of our jobs as human beings is to look out for each other and help when we can. In the world of instant gratification and so much right at their fingertips, this might always be a work in progress. But we’ll get there mama and you are doing a FABULOUS job with your children! I love posts like this and I am grateful for YOU!

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dailykongfidence May 16, 2017 - 10:14 pm

Awww Michelle, YOU are a great mama! I love the things you teach Addison and I will also incorporate that into my daily review of gratitude with my kids. It truly is our job as humans to be helpful and kind to each other and pay if forward. Thank you for your tips!

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Stephanie May 16, 2017 - 2:40 pm

It can definitely be a challenge to practice gratitude regularly, but I love that you’re working to do it more often. You have shared so many amazing things to be thankful for, and a lot of them are the same as mine! We are certainly blessed, aren’t we?

Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com

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dailykongfidence May 16, 2017 - 10:15 pm

Gratitude is such a great attitude to have and I seriously begin each day thinking how blessed I am. I am glad that we share similar things to be grateful for Stephanie!

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Raysa Garcia May 16, 2017 - 3:48 pm

I absolute love this post and your outfit.
You are truly amazing and beautiful inside and outside. Thank you for sharing this babe.
Xx, Raysa

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dailykongfidence May 16, 2017 - 10:15 pm

Hi Raysa! Thank you so much for your sweet words. Gratitude is something we all can use a lot more of right?

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Jordan Chapman May 16, 2017 - 4:24 pm

These are great tips!! I’ve been doing a lot better on the personal ones, but I have a long way to go! You’ve got some great ones and I wish I could be as introspective as you are! It’s a great quality to have!
Jordan xx
http://thehatlogic.com

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dailykongfidence May 16, 2017 - 10:16 pm

Thank you Jordan! I see so much positivity in you and I know you lead a gracious life. I can tell by your posts and your vlogs.

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Candace May 16, 2017 - 6:03 pm

Kids definitely receive more than we did, more than I think they should to be honest and they’re not as appreciative as we were from my experience. I often struggle with these same concepts with my stepson. He feels entitled to things because he’s a kid and that’s just not a valid reason. When I have kids, I’m definitely going to start young with them and these concepts. It’s harder trying to implement these things with a teenager when he/she wasn’t brought up that way to begin with!

http://www.thebeautybeau.com

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dailykongfidence May 16, 2017 - 10:17 pm

I totally agree, it’s easier to train them young and have them practice the art of gratitude daily as children so that when they grow up it is just habit and ingrained in them. I know you will make a wonderful mother one day Candace!

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Amy May 16, 2017 - 7:48 pm

This is such a great post and it’s so fun to hear how you’re instilling this very important practice in your children! They are very lucky to have you as a role model : ). Even as adults, we can be impatient, entitled, and play the victim card – haha! Gratitude is so important and is a huge part of what keeps us grounded and positive. I’ve found myself turning to this more and more lately – meditating, journaling, and exercise are my biggest relievers! They all play a different role in reminding me to be grateful for my mind, my body, and the present. Thanks for writing this post!

xx, Amy
http://www.theluxilook.com

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dailykongfidence May 17, 2017 - 9:41 am

Thank you so much Amy! I definitely agree that gratitude helps us keep grounded and you have great tips for practicing gratitude as well. I think exercise is also a great one like you mentioned. Feeling healthy and strong helps us appreciate life and our bodies. xoxo!

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Gracie May 16, 2017 - 8:33 pm

First of all your outfit rocks! And most of all thank you so much for this post. It brings you back to reality because I think we all become complacent and are not appreciative of so many things. I am so grateful for my life right now. There are so many positive things going on. I am getting ready to graduate and are heading to my number one choice of college in the fall. For me that is what I am so grateful for. I am making a copy of all your points so I can remind myself from time to time. Thank you – I am so grateful for this post.

Xxgracie

snappedbygracie.com

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dailykongfidence May 17, 2017 - 9:44 am

How exciting for you Gracie! Where are you off to college – I think you mentioned CA before…You have so much going on and I love that you are appreciative of it all. I like that you shared some positive things going on in your life. That also helps others realize the positive things happening in their lives too!

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Karen Farber May 16, 2017 - 8:39 pm

This is such a sweet post! Love that you’re sharing this positive message. Definitely a good reminder to share more gratitude xx

http://www.littleblackshell.com

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dailykongfidence May 17, 2017 - 9:45 am

Thank you Karen, I appreciate you stopping by!

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Jo May 16, 2017 - 8:40 pm

I love the message of this post. I myself can attest to the wonderful feeling I get when I practice gratitude into my everyday activities. I started a gratitude journal a few months ago after finding myself becoming so stressed with my heavy workload. It really worked to refocus my mind on the positive and I felt much better. It’s wonderful your instilling this life lesson early in your kids.

xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com

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dailykongfidence May 17, 2017 - 9:46 am

Thank you Jo. It’s amazing that you have kept a gratitude journal and can refer to it when you feel overburdened.

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Marie May 16, 2017 - 9:18 pm

Thanks for this reminder of being grateful for each and every day I get to have here on earth with the ones I love most. Sometimes I get sidetracked when life gets hard or chaotic but this post was exactly what I needed today. I try to show my kids to be thankful for the little things (thanking God for a great parking spot or an easy drive to school and not being late) to big things like our safety, food, house to live in. I also am so thankful for the friends I have that support and love me through the good and the bad. You are definitely one that I am super thankful for bc without you, I’d be lost forever. Thanks for being a great friend to me even when I don’t deserve it. Love you!

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dailykongfidence May 17, 2017 - 9:46 am

Awww Marie! You totally show gratitude all the time and I am grateful for such an incredible friend like you in my life!

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Irene | Hint of Grey May 16, 2017 - 9:49 pm

For me, being grateful is being mindful about those little things in life. Those are what make us human! 🙂

http://www.hintofgrey.com | Hint of Grey

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dailykongfidence May 17, 2017 - 9:47 am

Yes, it’s the little things in life we often overlook and need to say how grateful we are for them out loud!

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Alena Edwin May 16, 2017 - 11:25 pm

It’s really a great post and delivered the best message. Thanks for sharing.

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dailykongfidence May 17, 2017 - 9:48 am

Thank you Alena, I appreciate it. You are too sweet and I am grateful for your support and comments.

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The Fashion Panda May 17, 2017 - 12:46 am Reply
dailykongfidence May 17, 2017 - 9:49 am

Thank you my dear!

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Jenelle May 17, 2017 - 6:38 am

I started sharing three things each day that I was grateful for with my gratitude buddy. It really helped me to be in tune with what was going on with my own life and with my friend. Such an important thing to do!
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com

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The Editors Notebook May 17, 2017 - 4:58 pm

What I appreciate about this post is that you have said what you’re grateful for and so set the example for your children. For me, I think it is really important to write it down to remind yourself and then you can look over that list in years to come. Thanks for sharing!

City Style and Living The Editors Notebook | Instagram

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dailykongfidence May 22, 2017 - 11:39 pm

That is so true, I definitely think looking back and reading what you were grateful is also amazing!

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Yasmin May 17, 2017 - 6:55 pm

Love this look, those shoes, and that cute little bag. Congrats on your Fohr Card score. That’s so high! I’ve gotta check mine after reading this. As far as your tips, I need to keep reminding myself to smile, especially when talking to people. In the middle of a conversation, I’ll worry, do I have resting bitch face? Then I’ll overcompensate like an idiot with a dopey grin. That’s why I try to inject humor as much as possible into a conversation, so it feels more natural 🙂

xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com

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Julie Khuu May 17, 2017 - 7:10 pm

This is such a beautiful post babe. Not only your outfit (killer top btw) but your prose totally resonates since gratitude is something I practice daily. Yes, just like exercise you really have to psyche yourself up for the challenge, but with hard work and dedication all of a sudden it becomes second nature. I found you on IG when you had 30K followers (an achievement in itself) and to see the different brands you’ve been working with and how your style has evolved is inspiring! Not to mention caring for 3 little tots while you’re at it! You are SUPERWOMAN woman!

Thank you for the blog visit babe, hope to see you back for my latest TRAVEL GUIDE: Japan in 10 days- The PERFECT itinerary for Japan first timers!

Xx- Julie
Haute Khuuture Blog | Instagram

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Jenn Hanft May 18, 2017 - 12:52 am

Ahhh I totally needed this as a kind reminder! I feel like sometimes we get so wrapped up in everything and just life in general so it’s hard to realize we need to take a step back and just appreciate everything. I laughed at your gratitude to your Nespresso machine! I really want to get one myself hehe. Love this outfit <3 and yes girl, all your hard work IS paying off!!!

With love, Jenn
https://www.jubilantdose.com

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dailykongfidence May 22, 2017 - 11:40 pm

Totally, we just need little reminders of what makes us happy. And yes, my Nespresso machine brings me such joy every single morning. You must get one!

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GorisHelena May 18, 2017 - 3:39 am

Such a beautiful post, super gorgeous I love it!

Can we follow eachother? Let me know on my blog and I will follow back immediately xo
BLOG: GorisHelena

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Bernice May 18, 2017 - 5:01 am

Aw what a nice concept to post about! So true that gratitude is often taught but hardly acted upon. Great tips for a happier world xx

https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/05/18/Intimate-In-the-Streets-and-In-The-Sheets

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Olga May 18, 2017 - 10:22 am

I´m falling in love with your shoes!You look stunning:-)

http://www.lostindaydreams.com/

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Helen Chik May 18, 2017 - 6:45 pm

I completely agree with you on practicing a little gratitude and having recently come out of Australian Fashion Week I feel like our society is in DESPERATE need of this. They’re great tips on how to practice gratitude and I’m especially try to practice the act of giving compliments.

Helen xx
http://helenchik.com

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Jessie May 18, 2017 - 7:09 pm

I love this post! We often get so carried away with our busy lives and we forget to be thankful. To thank yourselves, our loved ones, people who have helped and inspired us, and just be grateful in general. Thanks for this little gratitude reminder post Christine. I have made a deal with myself after reading your post – I need to practice gratitude everyday before bed time. Just a list of little things I want to be grateful for throughout the day. Thanks for sharing this inspirational post!

xx, Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/calm-the-fxxx-down/

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Swartjes May 18, 2017 - 11:57 pm

Gorgeous outfit! Your style is so on point ♥
xx
Beauty, Life, Entertainment & Style

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Sharon Wu May 19, 2017 - 10:11 am

What a great post and a wonderful way to start my Friday morning reading 🙂 Thanks for sharing all your tips Christine. You always have amazing pointers! I totally agree that often times we get so caught up in our busy lives that we forget to practice gratitude. Even the little things will add up so it’s good to step back and love ourselves, love others, and pay it forward whenever we can. It’s incredible how just a smile can make someone’s day — I know it definitely has for me 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend babe! xo, sharon

http://www.stylelullaby.com/personal/life-update-10-things/
@stylelullaby

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Jessica May 19, 2017 - 10:47 pm

This top is gorgeous. I love the fun statement sleeves!

Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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Thomas Falkenstedt May 20, 2017 - 9:47 am

Gratitude is ever so important and it’s true that kids of today are a lot more privileged than we were when we grew up so it’s good you’re also teaching them the importance of not taking everything for granted! As for your advice I actually follow each of the 15 steps you’ve listed and then I chuckled at your own gratitude list when you mentioned YouTube and the bike assembling part, haha. Keep spreading kindness, love and smiles! 🙂
xoxo
Thomas

http://thomasfalkenstedt.com

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Samantha Mariko May 20, 2017 - 8:56 pm

I totally look up to moms who teach their kids to be gracious and kind, so brava to you!! I think for me, I learned that you can never thank people enough, especially after I moved to Japan and started working in the industry. I love showing thanks whenever I can. This was such a great post 🙂

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Adelina May 23, 2017 - 11:58 am

This is such an important post. It is so easy to forget what is the most important in life when you get busy! Loved all your tips 🙂

http://www.thecharmingolive.com
xx, Adelina

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marcy May 24, 2017 - 11:48 pm

We always have to practice gratitude and love all your tips here babe!!! Definately something I always do is smile but I really have to put in practice all the rest more.
On the other hand absolutely love your look the top is just adorable!

xoxo
Marcy

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Kate Tik May 30, 2017 - 2:16 pm

Omg this is something that I always struggle with. This is such an important reminder for sure. It is incredible how our lives change when we are just a little bit more grateful. Thank you for sharing this! Also, loving the top soooooo much. Obsessed!

katetik.com

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Deddeh Howard May 30, 2017 - 11:50 pm

You’re the best mom and you look amazing girl. Your kids are so lucky

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Dolna June 7, 2017 - 6:04 am

This is exactly what I experience with my little girl and always thinking about how to give her everything but teach her gratitude and humbleness for everything life brings. Beautiful thoughts and your look is flawless! x Dolna

http://www.silksofine.com/the-most-fabulous-heels-you-cant-say-no-to/

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