Several years of my life were spent in a state of depression. It is shattered me to my core. Huge life changes had occurred and my entire being seemed to be pinned down in a roller coaster from hell. I took a chance at change attending a church in Carlsbad, California. I went to God on my knees and that was the turning point for me. Now, becoming a better version of myself in the path that I am taking. Currently, I am working on living a life with an attitude of gratitude. In doing so, there are a few things I researched for answers…
What is gratitude?
Merriam-Webster defines gratitude as being “the state of being grateful.” Others say that it is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to return kindness.” I like to look at gratitude as being appreciation. “It is the recognition that something is valuable in you, which has nothing to do with its monetary worth.” It is a feeling that spontaneously emerges within. However, it is not simply an emotional response; it is also a choice we make. Gratitude is a disposition.
What does gratitude do?
In its online venue, Freibergo states that, “gratitude and appreciation take up space in our brain that fear might otherwise occupy. Neurology has proven that fear and appreciation cannot reside in the brain at the same time…Gratitude and appreciation are among that highest and purest forms of love because they demand nothing and depend on nothing.” Gratitude helps us see a given situation and apply a solution that is free from fear. It puts situations into perspective. Gratitude makes us happier and helps us realize what we have as being enough.
What are the benefits of living a life with an attitude of gratitude?
It makes us happier. Our health, relationships, emotions, personality, and career improve. In being more appreciative, social, trusting and nice, people like us. Friendships are made and strengthened. Living a life with an attitude of gratitude reduces our materialism, increases our spiritualism, and makes us more optimistic. It increases our energy levels as it makes us more likely to exercise. Generally speaking, it helps us become the best version of ourselves.
What are some things that block gratitude and how do you move past them?
The biggest obstacle that blocks out gratitude is being around negative people. How do you stay happy Where is the gratitude when someone, or everyone, around you has a bad attitude? It is there. You just have to alter your perspective. In this scenario, view the challenge as an opportunity for growth and self discovery. Put yourself in their shoes for a moment. Try to understand instead of making judgments. You can also diffuse negative interactions with humor. Tell a joke. Move away from serious, intense talk that involves complaining and blaming. Lastly, spend some time alone. It opens the door to self awareness.
How do I practice living a life with an attitude of gratitude?
The biggest take away from this is knowing that there is always something to be grateful for. Br. David Steindle-Rast once said, “we cannot be grateful for all that a given moment brings us yet, in any given moment, we can be grateful for something.” Keep a gratitude journal in which you record at least three things that day gave you to be grateful for. In your challenges, find gratitude. Volunteer. Meditate. Smile more often. Take that first step toward being a better you. Be grateful.
Why did I choose to talk about gratitude?
The concept of gratitude has been heavy on my heart. I need to show more love and appreciation to those in my life. For the next seven days, I am going to be choosing something that I am grateful for that day and write about it. I challenge you to do the same.
In researching t=for this blog post, I came across several quotes that stood out to me. Maybe they will spark in you a desire to join me in my seven day adventure to a better self…
“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” – Abraham Lincoln
“I was complaining I had no shoes till I met a man who had no feet.” -Confucious
“Living in state of gratitude is the gateway to grace.” -Arianna Huffington
“Gratitude turns what we have int enough.” -Aesop
“Gratitude for the girft of life is the primary wellspring of all religions, the halllmark of the mystic, the source of al true art.” -Joanna Macy
References
Freibergo.com
Gratefulness.org
Happierhuman.com
Merriam-Webster dictionary
Psychologytoday.com
Unstuck.com