Accessing the Power of Gratitude
The practise of gratitude as a tool for happiness has been in the mainstream for years. Long-term studies support gratitude’s effectiveness, suggesting that a positive, appreciative attitude contributes to greater success in work, greater health, peak performance in sports and business, a higher sense of well-being, and a faster rate of recovery from surgery.
But while we may acknowledge gratitude’s many benefits, it still can be difficult to sustain. So many of us are trained to notice what is broken, undone, or lacking in our lives. And for gratitude to meet its full healing potential in our lives, it needs to become more than just a Thanksgiving word. We have to learn a new way of looking at things, a new habit. And that can take some time.
That’s why practicing gratitude makes so much sense. When we practice giving thanks for all we have, instead of complaining about what we lack, we give ourselves the chance to see all of life as an opportunity and a blessing.
Remember that gratitude isn’t a blindly optimistic approach in which the bad things in life are whitewashed or ignored. It’s more a matter of where we put our focus and attention. Pain and injustice exist in this world, but when we focus on the gifts of life, we gain a feeling of well-being. Gratitude balances us and gives us hope.
There are many things to be grateful for: colourful autumn leaves, legs that work, friends who listen and really hear, chocolate, fresh eggs, warm jackets, tomatoes, the ability to read, roses, our health, butterflies. What’s on your list?
Some Ways to Practice Gratitude
• Keep a gratitude journal in which you list things for which you are thankful. You can make daily, weekly, or monthly lists. Greater frequency may be better for creating a new habit, but just keeping that journal where you can see it will remind you to think in a grateful way.
• Make a gratitude collage by drawing or pasting pictures.
• Practice gratitude around the dinner table or make it part of your nighttime routine.
• Make a game of finding the hidden blessing in a challenging situation.
• When you feel like complaining, make a gratitude list instead. You may be amazed by how much better you feel.
• Notice how gratitude is impacting your life. Write about it, sing about it, express thanks for gratitude.
As you practice, an inner shift begins to occur, and you may be delighted to discover how content and hopeful you are feeling. That sense of fulfillment is gratitude at work.
Articles from Royce Shook
View blogMy thanks to Aubrey and Ron for the following stories which will be posted over the next few days. · ...
One of my cousins sent me this as I was born in Saskatchewan. My first thought was these are the rea ...
Last thoughts on subjective ageing. Modern medicine should be adding life to years; not just more ye ...
Related professionals
You may be interested in these jobs
-
Provider Relations Representative
Found in: Talent CA C2 - 2 weeks ago
The Cigna Group Mississauga, Canada OTHERThe job profile for this position is Credentialing Lead Representative, which is a Band 2 Professional Career Track Role.Excited to grow your career? · We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruitin ...
-
Registered Nurse
Found in: Talent CA C2 - 1 hour ago
Ontario Health Toronto, Canada Part timeWant to make a difference in your career? Consider this opportunity · Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN), part of Ontario Health, is currently seeking a highly motivated casual Organ and Tissue Donation Specialist for the Hamilton and Surrounding Region, with a history of exc ...
-
office manager
Found in: Talent CA 2 C2 - 20 hours ago
SAVEMORE PLUMBING,HEATING & ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES LTD Surrey, CanadaEducation: Secondary (high) school graduation certificate · Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years · Tasks · Establish work priorities and ensure procedures are followed and deadlines are met · Carry out administrative activities of establishment · Administer policies and proced ...
Comments