Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.

Psalm 107:1-3

I have found getting into the practice of telling myself “No” has been incredibly helpful for battling discontent and living a more grateful life. I still view it as a daily exercise—just like getting my steps in for the day.

Each morning, I ask myself, “What desire do I have that I can tell my flesh ‘No’ to today?” It might be saying no to dessert until after dinner, saying no to Netflix and yes to opening the Bible app, or it might even be saying no to responding to a troll on Instagram.

Every time we say “no” to our flesh we are strengthening that muscle. By developing this habit, we can begin to be more thankful and more content. I was finally enjoying the things I had rather than just chasing after the newest toy on the market.

And if we’re not programmed to get a new car every other year, a new wardrobe each season, or a bigger house to impress our friends, then it’s much easier to find joy in what we have and spend less overall. It has taken me a while to dismantle this habit of discontent, and while there are times, I still battle it, I believe it’s one of the most important moves I made in my financial life. I no longer have an insatiable desire for that “next thing,” so I no longer spend money to find temporary satisfaction. This process has proved to be tremendously valuable in my personal journey of living a life of gratitude.4q

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and showing appreciation for something we have received or done for us. It is good for our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Gratitude contributes to contentment. Many people associate gratitude with happiness, and there might be a connection, but gratitude takes us to a deeper place that is peaceful and satisfying, where we don’t want or need anything more. Paul speaks of this in his letter to the church in Philippi. He concludes that he can be content, whatever the circumstances may be, through God, who gives him the necessary strength. Gratitude lights up parts of the brain’s reward pathways and hypothalamus. It boosts our serotonin and dopamine levels, making us feel pleasure and calm.

So, for today, be thinking about how you can stretch your “No’ muscle to grow in your contentment and gratitude for the blessings you have!

Psychologist Robert Emmons notes, “Gratitude blocks toxic emotions, such as envy, resentment, regret and depression, which can destroy our happiness.” He also said, “It’s impossible to feel envious and grateful at the same time.” Thus, gratitude can transform how we think, feel, and behave.