Gratitude

According to the Positive Psychology textbook written by C.R. Snyder and Shane J. Lopez, research done by psychologists Robert Emmons and Michael McCullogh shows that "those who kept a weekly gratitude journal...were (1) more optimistic, (2) more energetic, (3) more connected to other people, and (4) more likely to have a restful sleep." (2007, p. 274)


Name 3 things right now that you are grateful for. Gratitudes can be as simple as being grateful for a warm sunny day or as big as being grateful for a miracle that has happened in your life. When the temptation to complain arises, go ahead and get it out if you need to, then as Grandma said, "Count your blessings." 

Often we take our lives for granted until something bad happens such as a health issue.  Just notice your hands and how they work, or your eyes, or your legs. Give them a little attention and a little love and see how they become stronger or you feel more grateful for what they do. Be really clear with yourself as to what they mean to you and why. Say and write down the reasons you are grateful for them.  This is easier to do when you meet someone who doesn't have arms or their eyesight.  With practice gratitude becomes a way of life.

Use this process when you think of your spouse, children, friends, money, or any other part of your life.  Even use it for your enemies or those who you don't get along with.  What?  Yes, notice what opportunites lie in the difficulties you have with them.  Are you learning tolerance? Patience? Trust? Personal boundries? Standing up for yourself? Once you recognize what you are learning, you may find that the person disappears into the background of your life. Thank them silently or out loud for being there to help you to become a better person.  Think of times when perhaps you were the one who challenged someone else through your behavior...and we all have at one time or another.  

How can you be grateful during the real hardships in life such as the death of a loved one or a natural disaster?  Only you can figure that out.  Even during crises there are things to be grateful for...help received, kind people, sunshine, fresh water, sometimes just this moment. Find the nuggets and hold tight to them.

Years ago, I was waitressing in a restaurant in Alaska.  Lakdar, who was a Muslim from North Africa was the host and my friend.  Whenever I got after him for seating me too many tables at one time, he would say "Thank you Martha."  I would retort "Why are you thanking me Lakdar? I am yelling at you!"  He answered that he didn't know, he was just taught to do that.  Many times throughout the years I have thought back on those times and have since discovered in my studies that some people learn to be grateful for everything in life; the good and the bad.  I am grateful to Lakdar for that lesson as well as the comical picture I get in my mind about me yelling and him saying thank you!  (My husband doesn't do this.)

Change your thoughts by being grateful through your speech and by writing them down.  Writing makes ideas more concrete and real. Then notice how your life beings to change, one thought at a time.  

Be grateful. Live authentically. http://liveauthentically.org