The Importance of Gratitude
Thanksgiving will be here shortly, and, inevitably, most of us will take some time to ponder “what am I thankful for this year?” There may be obvious things like having a home, good health, employment, etc. Perhaps you’ve accomplished something new, like a job promotion, or finishing a degree. Many of us are pretty good about recognizing the large and more obvious things in our lives during the holiday.
This year, be encouraged to pursue gratitude a little bit further, and perhaps much more often, especially if you are prone to sadness or depression. Experts in mental health now confirm what our ancestors seemed to understand, that the pondering and expression of thanks is literally the antidote for unhappiness. It is foundational to our religion and faith, as well as numerous recovery movements and programs. Gratitude is expressing appreciation for what you have right now. Everyone has something to be grateful for at any given second. You have gratitude for the people in your life and gratitude for all good things that are available to you at this moment. Being grateful isn't an idea you stick on a Post-It note for a quick shot of feel-good. In terms of happiness, there's a reason (many reasons) why you are hearing it touted so much.
Gratitude can transform you. It can pull you from the vortex of negativity that is sucking the life out of you and give you a renewed sense of purpose and joy. And the simplest way to practice gratitude is to turn it into a daily habit, perhaps through prayer and meditation, or journaling and listing about the things you are thankful for in the moment. Multiple studies in the field of positive psychology have shown that gratitude journaling helps people to get rid of negative emotions. Greed, envy, regret, and frustration are often expelled when people take the time to express their gratitude. Further studies have shown that daily gratitude journaling has the single largest impact on increasing happiness and improving self-esteem. Modern science is reaffirming something the Plymouth colonist understood quit well, that setting aside time to count our blessings was imperative to a happy life (and lets face it, new world life in 1621 wasn’t easy by most standards). Have a great Thanksgiving!