If the only prayer you say in your life is ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.
What if a simple practice could significantly enhance your happiness, boost your physical health, improve your relationships, and even help you navigate life’s toughest challenges? It may sound too good to be true, but countless studies and personal stories attest to this powerful secret: gratitude.
Gratitude is a powerful emotion and a transformative habit. It’s more than just saying ‘thank you.’ It’s about acknowledging the goodness in our lives and recognizing that the source of this goodness often comes from outside of ourselves. It’s a celebration of the positive aspects of life, both big and small, that we often take for granted.
In this post, we’ll delve deep into understanding gratitude – its definition, its roots in human psychology, and its significance across various cultures and religions. We will explore the scientifically-proven benefits of gratitude on our mental and physical health, and discover practical ways to cultivate this life-changing habit.
What Is Gratitude?
More Than Just Saying “Thank You”
While gratitude involves expressing thanks, it transcends mere words. Gratitude is a profound emotion, a state of mind, and a way of life. It’s an appreciation for the kindness, gifts, experiences, and people that enrich our lives. It’s an acknowledgment of goodness in our lives, a good that often comes from something outside of ourselves.
A Perspective Shift
Practicing gratitude encourages us to shift our perspective from scarcity to abundance. It nudges us away from focusing on what we lack or what we want, directing our attention instead to the blessings we already have. This shift in perspective can significantly enhance our overall well-being and life satisfaction.
A Relationship Builder
Gratitude is a powerful tool for strengthening our connections with others. When we express our appreciation to people for their efforts or kindness, we foster positivity and mutual respect. This can enhance our personal and professional relationships, creating stronger bonds with those around us.
An Act of Mindfulness
Gratitude is intrinsically linked with mindfulness – the practice of being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment. It’s about being aware of and thankful for the present moment, the here and now. This act of mindful appreciation can significantly enhance our mental and emotional well-being.
The Spectrum of Gratitude
Gratitude can range from appreciating the grand, life-altering events—like landing your dream job—to acknowledging the small, everyday moments—like a friend’s comforting words or the smell of fresh rain. Every aspect of life offers an opportunity for gratitude, if we can tune our hearts and minds to notice it.
The Roots of Gratitude
Gratitude isn’t a concept exclusive to any one culture or religion. It’s a universal sentiment recognized for its profound impact. In many cultures, gratitude plays a pivotal role in social interactions and relationships.
For instance, in Japanese culture, the concept of ‘Ongaeshi,’ which means ‘return a favor,’ reflects deep-rooted traditions of gratitude and reciprocity.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, gratitude is considered a fundamental virtue leading to liberation and enlightenment.
In Christianity, gratitude is often expressed through prayers and hymns, acknowledging the blessings from God.
Similarly, in Islam, gratitude (‘Shukr’) towards Allah is an integral part of a believer’s faith.
The Scientific Benefits of Gratitude
An expanding body of research on the science of gratitude shows the multitude of benefits that stem from expressing and practicing gratitude:
Gratitude and Mental Health
Studies have indicated that practicing gratitude can substantially improve your mental well-being. By encouraging positive emotions, gratitude can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Moreover, it can enhance overall mood and emotional resilience, enabling you to better cope with stress and life’s challenges.
Gratitude and Physical Health
The benefits of gratitude extend to our physical health as well. Research has suggested that individuals who regularly practice gratitude report fewer physical symptoms, experience less pain, and generally feel healthier than others. They’re also more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors, such as regular exercise and routine check-ups.
Gratitude and Relationships
Gratitude plays a significant role in fostering strong relationships. It helps to strengthen bonds, enhance empathy, reduce aggression, and promote feelings of social satisfaction. People who express gratitude often report better relationships, both personally and professionally.
Gratitude and Personal Growth
Beyond its immediate benefits, gratitude can also contribute to personal growth. It fosters a greater sense of self-esteem, increases mental strength, and promotes optimism. As a result, individuals who embody gratitude tend to be more resilient and better equipped to navigate life’s ups and downs.
How to Cultivate a Habit of Gratitude
The Importance of Daily Gratitude Practices
Just like exercising or eating healthily, cultivating a habit of gratitude requires consistent practice. The beauty of this practice is in its simplicity, yet the effects can be profound. With time and persistence, gratitude can begin to shift your mindset, helping you focus more on the positive aspects of life, and less on the negatives.
Suggestions for Gratitude Practices
Gratitude Journal: Keeping a gratitude journal is a straightforward, yet powerful, way to practice gratitude. Each day, jot down three things that you’re grateful for. They can be significant, like a supportive family, or seemingly small, like the scent of fresh flowers. This exercise can help reinforce your positive feelings and make them more tangible.
Gratitude Letters: Writing a letter of gratitude to someone who’s made a positive difference in your life is an excellent way to foster gratitude. The act of writing the letter can help you acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of your life, even if you choose not to send the letter.
Mindful Thankfulness: Gratitude can be seamlessly integrated into a mindfulness or meditation practice. As you center yourself and calm your mind, focus on the things for which you’re grateful. This mindful thankfulness can help shift your focus from stress and worry to appreciation and positivity.
Gratitude Jar: Create a gratitude jar where you can store little notes of gratitude. Whenever you experience something positive or something you’re grateful for, write it down on a piece of paper and put it in the jar. This practice not only helps you focus on positive experiences as they happen, but also provides a source of inspiration and comfort on tough days.
Gratitude Walks: Incorporate gratitude into your daily walks. As you walk, observe the beauty and wonder around you – the warm sunshine, the singing birds, or the majestic trees. Acknowledge these blessings and express your gratitude for them. This practice can help you connect more deeply with nature and foster a greater appreciation for life.
Gratitude Reminders: Set random reminders on your phone or computer to pause and consider something you’re grateful for. This practice can help ensure that gratitude becomes a natural part of your day, even when you’re busy or stressed.
Gratitude During Routines: Use routine activities – such as brushing your teeth or commuting – as a reminder to think about something for which you’re grateful. By attaching gratitude to these daily activities, you’ll ensure it becomes a regular part of your day.
By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can cultivate a habit of gratitude that can significantly enhance your well-being and perspective. In the next section, we’ll explore how to harness the power of gratitude during tough times.
Using Gratitude to Navigate Through Difficult Times
Embracing Gratitude Amidst Challenges
When life is rosy and things are going well, expressing gratitude seems relatively straightforward. But what about during challenging times? How can we harness the power of gratitude when we’re facing adversity?
Practicing gratitude during difficult times doesn’t mean ignoring the hardships, pain, or frustrations we may be experiencing. Instead, it encourages a shift in perspective, allowing us to recognize the good that exists alongside the difficulties. This practice can provide much-needed resilience and optimism, helping us navigate through life’s storms.
How Gratitude Helps in Tough Times
Shifts Focus: Gratitude can help shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right, from lack to abundance, from loss to gain. Even in the most challenging circumstances, there are usually some aspects of life that we can still be thankful for.
Builds Resilience: Multiple studies have shown that gratitude can enhance resilience, helping us recover more quickly from stressful events and adapt better to adversity. Gratitude can offer a broader perspective on situations, allowing us to see difficulties as temporary obstacles rather than permanent roadblocks.
Promotes Positivity: Gratitude can foster a more positive mindset, even during hard times. It encourages positive emotions and experiences, reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Enhances Coping Mechanisms: By cultivating an attitude of gratitude, we can enhance our coping mechanisms, making it easier to deal with life’s challenges. Gratitude can help us cope by enabling us to appreciate the support we have, the strengths we possess, and the opportunities that still exist.
Practical Ways to Practice Gratitude in Difficult Times
Find the Silver Lining: Even in challenging situations, try to find something positive. It could be a lesson learned, newfound strength, or an unexpected opportunity. Recognizing these silver linings can provide a sense of perspective and hope.
Express Gratitude for Support: When going through a difficult time, expressing gratitude for the support you receive from others can be incredibly powerful. It helps you recognize that you’re not alone and that there are people who care about you and are willing to help.
Be Grateful for Small Joys: In the midst of hardship, small joys can provide much-needed relief and happiness. Be grateful for these moments – a comforting cup of tea, a kind word from a friend, or a beautiful sunset. These small instances of joy can collectively make a big difference.
Making Gratitude a Lifestyle
The Power of a Gratitude Lifestyle
While it’s beneficial to set aside specific times for practicing gratitude, the ultimate goal is to make gratitude a lifestyle — a fundamental aspect of your daily thoughts and actions. When we cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude, we begin to see the world differently. We start to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and appreciate what we have, rather than dwelling on what we lack.
Steps to Making Gratitude a Lifestyle
Consistency is Key: To truly make gratitude a part of your life, consistency is crucial. Whether it’s writing in your gratitude journal, silently thanking someone in your mind, or expressing your thanks verbally, ensure you engage in these activities regularly.
Express Gratitude Openly: Don’t be shy about expressing your gratitude. Tell people how much you appreciate them and why. The more openly and often you express your gratitude, the more naturally it will come to you.
Practice Mindful Gratitude: Try to incorporate gratitude into your mindfulness practices. This could mean silently expressing gratitude during meditation, or taking a moment to appreciate your surroundings during a mindful walk. This can help you develop a more profound sense of appreciation for the world around you.
Celebrate the Small Things: Often, we focus on being grateful for the significant events and grand gestures. However, life is full of small, everyday blessings — a warm cup of coffee, a call from a friend, a beautiful sunset. Pay attention to these small joys and express gratitude for them.
Transform Negative Thoughts: Whenever you catch yourself complaining or focusing on the negative aspects of your life, challenge yourself to find something to be grateful for. This can help reframe your perspective and foster a more positive mindset.
The Impact of a Gratitude Lifestyle
Adopting a gratitude lifestyle can have profound effects on your overall well-being. It can improve your mood, enhance your relationships, reduce stress, and promote a more positive outlook on life. Living a life of gratitude enables you to fully appreciate the richness and beauty of your existence, fostering a deep sense of contentment and happiness.
Conclusion
It’s clear that gratitude is far more than just a feel-good concept or a polite gesture. It’s a potent tool that, when wielded correctly, can transform our lives in meaningful and lasting ways. It allows us to recognize the positive aspects of our existence, appreciate the beauty in ordinary moments, and foster deep, genuine connections with those around us.
The journey towards a life steeped in gratitude is a personal and unique one. It requires consistent practice, patience, and an open heart. Yet, the benefits that come from this practice make every step worthwhile. From improved physical and mental health to enhanced resilience and better relationships, the rewards of embracing a gratitude-centric lifestyle are profound and far-reaching.
In a world that often emphasizes what we lack, cultivating an attitude of gratitude encourages us to focus on abundance. It helps us realize that even in the midst of difficulties, there are always aspects of our lives for which we can be thankful.
As you move forward, remember that gratitude isn’t just for the easy or joyful times. It’s also a beacon during the stormy periods, providing light and hope when times are tough. By recognizing and appreciating the good in our lives, we can transform our perspective, our relationships, and ultimately, our entire life experience.
So, let’s embrace the transformative power of gratitude. Let it touch every aspect of your life and watch how it changes you. Start by expressing gratitude for the smallest joys, be consistent in your practice, and gradually, you’ll find yourself living a life full of appreciation, positivity, and happiness.
It may be the most important virtue of all: gratitude. Practicing it alone can transform your life! Thank you,
Todd
I agree completely that the most important virtue of all is gratitude . I began a morning graitude blog about a month ago at goodmorninggratitude.com and the half hour to 45 minuters each day of attention to being grateful has profoundly altered my perspective and the quality of my life beyond my ability to explain it.
I’ve been keeping a gratitude journal lately. I’ve found that recording it has helped me be more grateful because I can review things and remember them and how blessed I am.
It certainly is ”The Mother of All Virtues”. I practice gratitude every single day for everything that I have and also don’t have. I completely agree with you that that alone can transform one’s life and it has transformed mine.
God Bless
Thank you for this great attitude.
Whilst studies and research is good we have already been informed of the benefits of gratitude over 1400 years ago:
And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’ ” [Quran: 14:7]
So ponder over that people
You are right Todd. Gratitude get us in tune with the source of everything that comes into our life. By this alignment we become happier and engage in the process of the law of attraction.
My life change when I discovered the 30 Day Gratitude Challenge.
I took it, I teach it, I live it.
I am stuck in life at the age of 39. Been struggling in life since the time I was born. I need and deserve a great life. I am gonna practice it from right now. Thank you Thank you Thank you to all for commenting on the importance of GRATITUDE in life.
“The sun was shining in my eyes, and I could barely see
To do the necessary task that was allotted me.
Resentment of the vivid glow, I started to complain–
When all at once upon the air I heard the blindman’s cane.”
~ Earl Musselman ~
…gratitude!
I love your posts. I try to teach as best I can that when people approach their lives from a place of gratitude, that the universe responds by giving more. As a career coach, it is so difficult to convince people of that even though there is evidence all around us.
Thank you,
Mike Edwards
I’ve been working really hard on being more grateful. It’s one of my major goals. Thank you so much for this post. I LOVE the idea of a gratitude journal. I think it might be just what I need!
Thanks for your post. I have taken away from it the personal challenge to be grateful more proactively.
Simon
I love this article.
I think increasing ones gratitude is one of the most important goals of life – unquestionably. Not only does it make us happier, I’d also argue that it makes us have more humility. If we can’t be appreciative for what we have it’s as if we’re declaring we deserve more. It’s great to seek out more, as that’s also part of life. But… Doing so already being really grateful and joyful for what we have now is the way to go, I think.
I have one of those purple bracelets, and I’m trying to do the 21 days. I thought it would be easy. It’s not!
What’s great about gratitude is that even on the worst days there is always something to be thankful for, and usually there is more than one thing. No wonder gratitude helps you to be a little happier – you’re focusing on the good in your life even when things aren’t going great.
Talking to others can help, too. They’ll point out things you’ve long since taken for granted!
What a great and well researched post.
I write daily in a gratitude journal. I write little, as well as big things. It keeps me focused and reminds me how truly blessed I am. For me, it makes all the difference in my attitude.
I like the ways you shared practicing Gratitude.
Obviously, feeling of gratitude plays a key role in positive changes of our life.
This is so true. On a small level, I experienced this just yesterday. I left for work (I was biking) in a rush, frustrated that I was running late. I ended up stopped at a traffic light longer than expected. So, in general I was just not very grateful by this time. As I rode on, I realized I should really be thankful for the opportunity I have to work, to bike, for my family, etc. My mood instantly changed, and I just felt so much better. And it was all because of the gratitude I envisioned in my life, not the perceived negatives.
Showing gratitude takes so much more than a “Thank you”. True appreciation comes from within and when you truly mean it and feel it, it can definitely have a major positive affect on your life! Great article! Doc KC
Great article!
Gratitude is such an important topic. We need more good articles such as this one.
Practicing gratitude is one of the easiest and quickest ways to train your brain to think positive. If you think about it, there are always blessings and burdens in life, no matter what the situation is.
By practicing gratitude, your mind becomes focused on the good in your life. And as you know, whatever the mind focuses on, the mind attracts. That’s the law of attraction.
Do you want wealth, health, and happiness? Try thanking the Universe for all the blessings in your life, no matter how small or insignificant, and see what happens.
You need to do this daily, to get into the wealth, health, and happiness groove.
I thought of this poem when I read the importance of GRATITUDE.
i thank you God for most this amazing…
e.e. cummings
i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun’s birthday;this is the birth
day of life and love and wings:and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)
how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any–lifted from the no
of all nothing–human merely being
doubt unimaginable You?
(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)
Thank you for this blog. There are many ways that gratitude can change lives and I am grateful you have shared your thoughts. I have had my life changed by gratitude in so many ways. I am excited to see a new movie like “The Secret” coming out called “The Gratitude Experiment” I just saw the trailer for it. I hope it will discuss many of the thoughts that you have expressed. You should contact them to see if they have room for you to be involved. Any ways, thank you again. K.
I saw the trailer as well. The Movie looks great. I am a big fan of Doug Vermeeren who also created The Opus. The Opus was wonderful and if The Gratitude Experiment is anything like The OPus it will be very inspiring. Does anyone know a specific release date or where there may be a screening in the Los Angeles area?
This is a lovely post. I appreciate your optimism, and I agree with your attitude of looking for what’s good and beautiful in life- no matter what.
Gratitude really IS a life changer. Great post!!
it makes a lot of sense, when you become grateful for the things you have your mind will automatically think positively and search for the good things instead of being focused on the bad ones
Starting each day with gratitude can really make a difference – it is one of the most powerful practices for living a happy, entred and abundant life.
Thanks for the post.
We should be grateful for being in the free world, and having things that most people in this world do not have – the main one of these is choice.
By being grateful for all small mercies – saying thank you, a smile, a laugh, a little extra time, enter joyfully into the spirit of the season .. can all change others lives as well as our own.
Great post for December
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
Thank you so much for this article. It was well written. I think gratitude is so important to well-being. I’ve kept a gratitude journal and it really makes you focus on the positive all day long because you’re thinking “what am I going to write in my journal tonight.”
We seem to have much in common. I enjoyed your blog. While it makes me feel less unique, it makes me also feel less alone. I’ll take the latter over the former any day.
I’m grateful for this website.
I’m grateful that I’m finding a lot of peopl who are practicing gratitude.
I’m grateful for this moment of now.
I’m grateful for my power of focus.
I’m grateful that I can Breathe!
Francesco
Yes! Through gratitude all things are possible. Thank you so much!!!…
Yes! Through gratitude all things are possible.
Thanks.. You Have a great article..
Gratitude is the magic of life
☺
I like this article, a simple way of doing things could make life a big change.
Gratitude = Happiness! Thanks for the post and great ideas for practicing gratitude. While I don’t have specific practices I have made a habit of living daily in gratitude. And for me, it feels very good to verbally express it. I like to let others know when something they have done/created/said has touched me.
We recently had a devastating loss in our lives, the passing of a family member, and it was way too soon. I mention this because for me, the one good thing death has the ability to give those remaining here in human form is a greater abundance of GRATITUDE. Today is the day to choose Love. Loving ourselves in every moment, releasing judgment and living in appreciation!
With tremendous Respect,
Michelle
Thank you. I hope that would suffice. :D
This is a very grounding and centering article. Thank you!
Outstanding article! Thank you!!!
Gratitude is as important as Attitude.
I enjoyed discovering and reading your site.
I think you might enjoy this website and the Gratitude and Soulshine cards featured on it:
http://bit.ly/oLRvi1
…in gratitude.
Marc
Thanks for reminding me of the no-complaint challenge! I have to try it once again – it’s a great way to get rid of negative thoughts.
When it comes to gratitude – make it a daily practice to make it the most effective. Every morning (or every evening) spend a few minutes expressing gratitude for what you have. Gratitude brings more happiness in life. What goes around, comes around!
Gratitude has played a very big part in healing my life. Thanks for the reminder. No matter how bad things get in life, looking at what I can be grateful for uplifts me and encourages me to keep going.
i must really say, i find your article interesting. it answers my question,” what is life without gratitude”. such a life is void,and full of worries. i hope to abide by the ” keeping a gratitude journal,” for it will reduces worrying about ones lack.
I am even very grateful for this information you have shared. It is very inspirational.. Thanks again
I thank the author and all the visitors and readers of this article. Gratitude really works and it will transform your whole life when you begin to practice it. Stay always connected with positive source.
It’s all true! It felt a little alien to me at first but as I started to make a conscious effort to appreciate my life and everything in it something in me began to shift. After a while the sense of appreciation and gratitude really does come from a deep heart felt place. It helps me enjoy the present moment as I’m not worrying about what I haven’t got. And one of the nicest things for me is that by appreciating my husband, warts and all, he gets to be George Clooney and Brad Pitt all rolled into one, well he does in my eyes anyway!!
wow!it’s a beautifully written piece.I’m going to practice it rightaway
We end every day, tucking our girls and selves into bed, by saying our favorite part of the day and what we are thankful for. LOVE and GRATITUDE make for a happy life and I’m all about the happy. Look for twinkles, follow the winks, find your happy. ;)
Thanks for your posting.I am completely new for this gratitude attitude but it proved amazing within few hours of practicing.I am so lucky to find this eternal and universal truth.
Wasantha from
Sri Lanka.
Thank you so much for this article. It was well written. I think gratitude is so important to well-being. I’ve kept a gratitude journal and it really makes you focus on the positive because Gratitude brings more happiness in life. What goes around, comes around!
Beautiful! If you want to move forward to a wonderful future, be thankful for what you have in your present.
Thanks for the post and great ideas for practicing gratitude. While I don’t have specific practices I have made a habit of living daily in gratitude. And for me, it feels very good to verbally express it. I like to let others know when something they have done/created/said has touched me.
We recently had a devastating loss in our lives, the passing of a family member, and it was way too soon. I mention this because for me, the one good thing death has the ability to give those remaining here in human form is a greater abundance of GRATITUDE. Today is the day to choose Love. Loving ourselves in every moment, releasing judgment and living in appreciation!
Christa i have learned that even from a bad or something horrible like death we should look for something positive , i lost my grandmother and i told my self that she was sick & i couldn’t take away her pain but now she is in a better place no more pains and that made me strong .thanks .
Gratitude is mother of virtues…
Life is all about grattitutde.
Out of gratitude love has borned,
Out of love devotion borned
Out of devotion surender has borned.
Out of surrender faith has borned.
Out of faith life has borned…
The journal is the most important tool for separating the two people we all have inside, the wonderful good hearted soul and the old moaner whose never wrong and never satisfied. Only by really getting to know both honestly in our journals can we begin to consciously nuture to one we would rather be and the one more likely to bring us happiness.
This was great blog post!!!! I think gratitude is key in life. It helps us appreciate the most little things.
Santi
thankagain.com
Gratitude could save the planet, says filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg. I believe him.
That’s a great post! Can I please blog it in my blog? I believe my brazilian friends really would benefit from this! I can put your link there of course.
I have seen how powerful gratitude can be, and I have started an online community dedicated to people sharing all of their many blessings with the world. If you need some inspiration, or want to join the gratitude movement please stop by :) thegratitudejar.com
Many thanks!
Gratitude and thakfulness are the basis for peace of mind and happiness. You realize that you lack nothing. This is the missing jewel.
Gratitude is the missing jewel. in happiness
Thanks for sharing the beauty of gratitude. When we look for the smallest good even in tough situations, it also sparks hope that can grown in us. Being thankful is a special gift that help us to be stronger, be creative and be more tuned to more blessings in life.
Develop an attitude of gratitude, and
give thanks for everything that happens
to you, knowing that every step forward
is a step toward achieving something
bigger and better than your current
situation.
Thank you for this post. It made me smile and made me think of all the things I am grateful. I sent texts to my close friends telling that I love them after reading this. Gratitude is something I can practice on each and every day : D.
This is the most wonderful thing that has happened to me today. I was so mad this morning, and when I had it all, I decided to sleep. On waking up, I stumbled on this blog post. I am so grateful for the peace that it has yielded in my heart. May you live to inspire more people. And thank you for everyone who commented, you have added so much to the juice of gratitude.
Brilliant post ! agree with what you have shared, thanks for sharing !
I have been heard of this Gratitude thing.But i never did it.I just always focusing on the lack of life.From now i will be prayer for making me grateful all the moment.And I want to start to thanks for this article.thanks.
Thanks for posting. My wife has been keeping a gratitude journal. Maybe I need to now!
while during a depression in my life A GREAT friend of mine asked me to write a daily gratitude list first i could not understand it really I WROTE AND WROTE IN A HANDWRITING I NOW CAN HARLY READ but I managed to find things each day many things to be grateful for and it increased and increased and I still do I write the word gratitude I say gratefulness and thankfulness aloud and I say it in my heart often often I say it to the people whom I meet I say it as often as I can and I mean it it has be with the emotions attached as I see it..thank you thank you thank you for this article
I am a huge advocate of living in gratitude and think you have written a concise, informative, yet inspiring and practically helpful article on the topic. Well done and thank you!
I am so happy to see that this has been tweeted so much (and I will tweet again!) to share this beautiful message of being grateful. I will also be getting myself a gratitude charm to remind me even more, every day!
With love,
Jess
If all the obsessive compulsive humans who accumulated knowledge for the rest of the human kind to enjoy had simply accepted what nature brought to them (diseases, disasters etc), humanity will still be in the stone age. Do you realize that, people? Those same computers and antibiotics you are taking for granted would not exist. It is only because determine people got fed up with things and did not buy into accepting everything as a good thing that we have built something as a species.
Gratitude should be spelt Greatitude because it is really a great attribute of a person. I have seen those who are gratitude have better relationship with things, people and themselves.They are happier, more caring and very much in control. I always like the quote: “Success is getting what you want and happiness is wanting what you get.” The wanting what you get is an expression of gratitude.
Thank you for the article…
I am grateful to read this, and follow this.
I just stumbled across this post and found there are 99 comments on the post.
I think it’s quite poetic that I am the hundredth, because I am a strong believer in practising gratitude to increasing levels of happiness.
I particularly like the exercise about imagining yourself losing things that are valuable to you and then having them returned.
I do take my things like my sight, hearing, and family for granted a lot more than I realised.
Until I did this exercise.
Thank you very much.
Thank you for such a lovely piece focusing on the wonderful life changing practice of Gratitude. Journaling about gratitude and focusing on all the various things that bring joy that you can be thankful of, and also the things we can learn from even when not-so-joyful, is a wonderful practice to get into.
One of the techniques I have found has brought me an ever increasing ability to elevate my gratitude and joy for everything in life is ho’oponopono. Totally simple and a beautiful practice to enjoy. http://surginglife.com/wellness/ho-oponopono
Again, thank you so much for this lovely piece.
I was told my job position was eliminated,then someone from the night shift was given a permanent position on the same shift I was terminated from. I was asked to work as a substitute at night. I was not happy at first, but now I have less stress and more time to spend on my new ministry.
I was researching gratitude and found this encouraging word and some others as well. I will be even more grateful for Gods goodness in spite of.
Great article! Such a good way to live life.
Thank you for this beautiful and insightful message – it helps keep my daily life in perspective :-)
Love the “no complaint” challenge – that might hard to live out. Pinned to my ‘Gratitude” board.
Really great post! I am starting a new blog (really to keep track of my own progress) and I would love to have some feedback/ support.
All the best,
Laura
I love the idea of writing a gratitude letter to someone and reading it to them! What a gift for everyone involved. Keep those positive vibes humming <3
Brilliant message. Happiness is found through our relationships to the people and things around us. We’re not alone!
Most of us, even those of us who “know better,” squander a lot of time thinking that life will be happier when we: have a better job, move into a bigger house, free ourselves from debt, have more free time, lose weight, start our own business, recuperate from a particular illness or whatever else it is we think needs to change.
The situations in our lives—both positive and negative—do have significance on us. What matters is how we react to these circumstances. Happiness is a choice, and you can have it regardless whether your situation is “ideal” or not. In other words, to make a real sense of accomplishment in life, we need to teach ourselves how to love what we already have.
Finding peace and joy in the simple things in life is not dependent on our ability to acquire as many things as we can – it’s about learning to achieve and create serenity in life “as it is.” It’s imperative for us to learn by heart that the enthusiasm, happiness, and achievement don’t really come from life itself, rather, it comes from us and our ability to acknowledge, appreciate and enjoy what we already have.
By paying more of our attention on loving what we already have and less on worrying about what we lack, we can make a profound sense of tranquility and joyfulness in our lives, our family, our job, and our relationships.
Gratitude is a principal determinant of destiny fulfilment. You can hardly reach your goals in life unless you have the attitude of gratitude.
My world has been transformed by having an attitude of gratitude. Wonderful article. Thank you for posting it.
Diane Lynn
http://www.thegratitudeletters.com/
We cannot really move on until we acknowledge and are grateful for what we are and have first. If we are not grateful we block all the blessings that we should have. Its the bitterness and resentment if there is any in our hearts that inhibits our happiness and thwarts the great things waiting for us. We must give thanks with all our hearts before we receive the great bounty waiting for us.
This article is so spot on I can’t tell you how I’m simply brimming at my own gratitude cup that you’ve posted it! If it’s all right, I would like to add a link to this piece from my own dinky blog.
I didn’t have a chance to read all the comments, so I don’t know if someone mentioned this or not, but another way to remind yourself of gratitude is through tattoos. I know more and more people are starting to get these. A neat idea, in my view.
Thanks so much! (Grateful!)
Gratitude connects you with power and creativity.
Thanks for the blog post! The scientific support helps those skeptics see that there has been some sort of study done to show the significant impact that gratitude can have on a person’s life. This goes further to impact the universe. I am still learning, and have not started daily showing gratitude, but the comments posted above mentioned a 30 day gratitude challenge, and I will seek that out.
The world is full of negativity and spirits looking down. It would be fantastic if at least one person in every family could practice gratitude. The impact would be huge. How could we make that happen?
Its the bitterness and resentment if there is any in our hearts that inhibits our happiness and thwarts the great things waiting for us.
Amazing post.Thank you very much for this important post.
I really enjoyed your article. It came to me in a timely manner. Being grateful is good fof the heart. I enjoyed the research you included, giving the act of gratitude support. I sometimes get busy and forget to take time to smell the roses and just being grateful for being alive. Great article. Will love to ready more of your blogs. Have a blessed day.
Thanks so much for this post. It was well written. As French proverb states that gratitude is the memory of the heart.
Thanks for this wonderful post.
This was so helpful today to read this post. I actually felt myself relaxing as I read it. Thank you so much!
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