Insights

After reflecting on Thanksgiving Day and what to write about it, I decided that being grateful one day each year is the guiding philosophy in our daily lives. A quick Google search of 'being grateful' found I wasn't alone in that sentiment.

I begin with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, who once said that to achieve contentment, one should "cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously." Being grateful can also lead to a healthier, happier, and less stressed lifestyle.

Below are a few benefits of gratitude:

1. Celebrating the Present: Being grateful allows us to participate and celebrate the present. Participation is critical here as many other activities, such as watching TV, going on Facebook, and surfing the web, are spectator sports.
2. Magnification of Experience: Gratitude magnifies the positive aspects of our experiences and the goodness inherent in life.
3. Depression Reduction: Gratitude can be a powerful antidote to episodes of depression, as it is challenging to harbor resentment while being genuinely grateful.
4. Resilience: Grateful individuals recover swiftly from setbacks, facilitating the rapid dissipation of toxic emotions.
5. Happiness and Connection: Gratitude contributes to overall happiness, strengthens social bonds, and fosters a connection to others and our destiny.
6. Empowerment: Feeling grateful imparts a sense of control over one's life and environment.

This does not mean that you have to be a "Pollyanna" who always sees the bright side no matter what. Don't shy away from the reality of situations that are not good. It would be best if you had a sense of balance and reason.

I've been told, "Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how one reacts to it."
Here are practical ways to enhance that 90%:
    1    Gratitude Journal: Dedicate a weekly journal entry to listing five things you are grateful for.
    2    Count Your Blessings: Regularly take stock of the positive aspects of your life.
    3    Value Little Things: Acknowledge the significance of small joys and victories.
    4    Acts of Kindness: Practice random acts of kindness to cultivate a spirit of gratitude.
    5    Volunteer: Contribute your time and skills to make a positive impact on others.
    6    Exercise: Physical activity benefits your health and can enhance your overall outlook on life.

For further exploration, visit greatergoodscience.org or download the Gratitude App to kickstart your journey towards a more grateful and fulfilling life. Embracing gratitude can be a transformative experience that brings about lasting well-being.