Are you Grateful?

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is the expression of appreciation for what one has.

Gratitude is a spontaneous feeling but, increasingly, research demonstrates its value as a practice—that is, making conscious efforts to count one’s blessings. Studies show that people can deliberately cultivate gratitude and there are important social and personal benefits to doing so. It is possible to feel grateful for loved ones, colleagues, animals, nature, and life in general.

Gratitude is a positive emotion that makes you feel happier.

?Gratitude is different for everyone. Gratitude affirms the good- the little gifts and blessings. It doesn’t mean life is perfect or we ignore our issues. It means we look at our lives as a “Whole” and we can see the good not just the bad. It helps reduce the negative emotions. It builds resiliency because you can see the good in a bad situation.?

Ways to add gratitude into your day

Create a list: Brainstorm a list of simple ways you can practice gratitude. Your plan may include small gestures like sending someone a quick note to say ‘thank you’ or taking time out of your day to lend a hand to a new mother. Giving Compliments and praise are forms of gratefulness.?

Reflect: Keep a gratitude journal on your nightstand so you can reflect on your day before going to sleep. When we choose to actively direct our energy towards focusing on what’s going right in our life as opposed to ruminating on what’s not, we begin to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. At the end of the week list 5-7 things your grateful for.?

Ask yourself nightly- what are 1 – 2 things your grateful for that happen today? This helps you intentionally focus on the good and develop gratitude thinking.

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