An Attitude of Gratitude
Nov 16, 2017 04:02PM ● By Don Short
When our mind is set in a gratitude mode, we begin to see all the good that is around us. An attitude of gratitude is not a one-time event. We must develop a habit of gratitude that will grow and overflow into all areas of our life. When we become saturated in gratitude, we will find that adverse events and conditions cannot keep a grip on us. As we shift into the attitude of gratitude mode we change ourselves and the world around us.
To develop a habit of gratitude, we must practice it until it becomes a permanent part of our lives. We can start with our children by teaching them to say thank you. Giving and receiving are part of every healthy relationship. Saying thank you and being grateful is also a key ingredient in sustaining these relationships. Gratefulness is just as important in the small things as it is the big things. Knowing about gratitude is one thing but applying this knowledge in our lives can be challenging.
Let’s practice being in a state of gratitude. Be an appreciator rather than a depreciator of everybody that shows up in your life. When we’re showing appreciation for everybody and when we’re expressing gratitude for our life and everything in it, we are truly grateful. Think of individuals in your life who were your caregivers, family members, companions, teachers, challengers, encouragers, comforters, and critics. They all have contributed to your life in one way or another and helped shape your life.
Feeling disappointment and stressed? Do these three things:
1. Stop.
2. Take a deep breath.
3. Refocus your mind on gratitude.
When we change our focus, we change how we feel and increase our capacity to handle stressful information. Many of us have gone through difficult times in our lives. These times, such as health issues, financial problems, the loss of a loved one, a flooded home, are tough to go through. Thoughts of gratefulness can be hard to find during these times. As time goes by and we shift our focus to what we have and away from what we have lost, gratitude can come back into our lives. Also, when we focus on the love and care we receive from others, our family, friends, and community, during these difficult times we can find encouragement and hope. After we have gone through these experiences, we are in a strong position to help and support others in the future as they walk through low points in their lives.
This state of gratitude has been shown to benefit us in the following ways.
To develop a habit of gratitude, we must practice it until it becomes a permanent part of our lives. We can start with our children by teaching them to say thank you. Giving and receiving are part of every healthy relationship. Saying thank you and being grateful is also a key ingredient in sustaining these relationships. Gratefulness is just as important in the small things as it is the big things. Knowing about gratitude is one thing but applying this knowledge in our lives can be challenging.
Let’s practice being in a state of gratitude. Be an appreciator rather than a depreciator of everybody that shows up in your life. When we’re showing appreciation for everybody and when we’re expressing gratitude for our life and everything in it, we are truly grateful. Think of individuals in your life who were your caregivers, family members, companions, teachers, challengers, encouragers, comforters, and critics. They all have contributed to your life in one way or another and helped shape your life.
Feeling disappointment and stressed? Do these three things:
1. Stop.
2. Take a deep breath.
3. Refocus your mind on gratitude.
When we change our focus, we change how we feel and increase our capacity to handle stressful information. Many of us have gone through difficult times in our lives. These times, such as health issues, financial problems, the loss of a loved one, a flooded home, are tough to go through. Thoughts of gratefulness can be hard to find during these times. As time goes by and we shift our focus to what we have and away from what we have lost, gratitude can come back into our lives. Also, when we focus on the love and care we receive from others, our family, friends, and community, during these difficult times we can find encouragement and hope. After we have gone through these experiences, we are in a strong position to help and support others in the future as they walk through low points in their lives.
This state of gratitude has been shown to benefit us in the following ways.
1. Building relationships and helping others.
2. Improving our mental and physical health.
3. Improves our empathy and reduces aggression.
4. Enhances our mental strength and self-esteem.
5. Increases one’s optimism and life satisfaction.
2. Improving our mental and physical health.
3. Improves our empathy and reduces aggression.
4. Enhances our mental strength and self-esteem.
5. Increases one’s optimism and life satisfaction.
Make every day a day of thanksgiving and gratefulness. It will change your life!
Don Short is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and EMDR Therapist. His practice focuses on clients with marriage, relationship and family issues. To learn more contact 337-781-4565, or visit: AfterHoursCounseling.com
