It’s not easy being grateful all the time. But it’s when you feel least thankful that you are most in need of what gratitude can give you. ~Oprah Winfrey
The practice of gratitude can make us happier. According to University of California Psychology Professor Dr. Robert Emmons, gratitude can increase happiness by 25%. He says in his book, which outlines strategies for cultivating gratitude, Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier that, “Gratitude is literally one of the few things that can measurably change people’s lives.” In his research, he has discovered that the practice of gratitude helps us to cope better with stress, gives us greater health, and increases positive feelings such as hope, peace and happiness.
While the benefits are clear, many people still have a tough time, especially during hardships, to focus on gratitude, even though it creates a more positive outlook. But, most importantly, what gratitude can give us is the moment. When we are in the moment, life becomes richer because our mind is not elsewhere.
This Thanksgiving practice gratitude and become real present to all the goodness that exists around you. Truly enjoy the many blessings that you have been given. You’ll see that the turkey will be a little more tender, the aroma of the pumpkin and apple pies will be a little stronger, and the negative comment made about your career will sting a little less. The practice of gratitude helps us to see things from a new perspective and, in turn, life becomes more of what it is, a beautiful gift meant to be savored, and joyfully and purposefully lived.
Here are some helpful gratitude practices.
- Make a list of top 100 things to be grateful for – Although this may be tough to do, start to think about what you may be taking for granted, which will make the list become long.
- Keep a gratitude journal – Write in a journal daily or at least regularly to record all that you are grateful for. According to Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude, by giving thanks for five gifts every day she says, in two months, you may not look at your life in the same way as you might now. She also says, “Gratitude is the most passionate transformative force in the cosmos.”
- Enjoy life’s simple pleasures – Relish in all the simple pleasures such as food, the beauty of nature, music, and great conversation. So much abundance exists around us and we will attract even more by noticing it.
- Write a thank you note – Is there someone who you can write a note of thanks to, which, perhaps, can make their day? Some people who may be in need of some appreciation are waitresses, teachers, the postman, a friend or family member, or a coworker.
- Stop complaining for 21 Days – Join over 6 million people in more than 80 countries who have participated in the Complaint Free challenge developed by Pastor Will Bowen of Christ Church Unity in Kansas City, MO. The challenge began when he asked his congregation to form a habit of gratitude by not complaining for 21 consecutive days, which scientists believe is the amount of days it takes to form a new habit. Then he passed out purple bracelets to each church member to remind them of their commitment to the plan. He said to them that if they slipped and complained during the 21 day period, then they were to move the bracelet to the other wrist. Try it!
- Look at each day as a gift – If you haven’t seen the video, “A Good Day,” with Brother David Steindl-Rast, view it here. This is a must see to truly understand that to be alive to enjoy another day is a gift, and as Brother David says, “the only appropriate response to this gift is gratefulness.”
- Uncover a hidden opportunity – Hidden opportunities exist in trying times. Take a good look at how a life challenge can have a positive outcome or be the best thing that ever happened to you.
- Be of service to the less fortunate – To be of service is the best way to give back for all the blessings you have been given. Extending ourselves to those who are less fortunate confirms our gratitude and, in turn, makes the world a better place.
- Express thanks everyday – Tell someone how thankful you are to have them in your life. Whether it’s your Mom, Dad, sibling, friend, people love to be appreciated for who they are and nothing else. This gratitude goes along way and what better time to express it than on Thanksgiving.
I am sending my heartfelt gratitude to all my readers who are following Virtues for Life! I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Resources:
Featured Book:
Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier by Dr. Robert Emmons
Websites:
www.gratefulness.org
www.gratitudekit.com
www.gratitudeworks.com
www.iamthankful.com
www.acomplaintfreeworld.org
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