What Good is Gratitude?

Believe it or not, gratitude is like magic. It has been proven to do so many amazing things such as improve mental and physical health, enhance relationships, foster resiliency and actually make you a happier person.

The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness. In some ways it encompasses all of these meanings. Gratitude is the thankful appreciation for what a person receives in their life, tangible or intangible. This increases people’s practice of acknowledging goodness in their lives and in the process people often begin to notice goodness lies partially outside themselves. As a result, being grateful also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.

Research in positive psychology has consistently and strongly shown that practicing gratitude increases happiness. You can express gratitude in three frames of mind.

The first being through the past; this would be reflecting on past positive memories, being thankful for things that happened in the past or people you met. During the present; finding the good during your experiences, being thankful for small positive moments in life and acknowledging things that make your life meaningful. And finally in the future; maintaining a hopeful and optimistic attitude.

What’s very cool is that gratitude is a quality you can strengthen overtime. Meaning no matter your level of gratitude and optimism currently, it is something you can cultivate.

How to Practice Gratitude

How you choose to practice gratitude is very individual and it needs to fit your lifestyle. Some people like to journal, some pray, others consciously look for silver linings. Ultimately it is whatever works for you and what makes you feel good.

The first step is observation/reflection. Get curious about yourself. How often do you say thank you or tell someone you appreciate them? Do you say it because it’s polite or because you mean it? Once you have a better idea of where you sit with gratitude and how you express it in your life you can become more intentional.

Small steps. You will not become the most grateful person in the world overnight and only see with bright side if this is not natural to you. When getting started set the bar low; you want to set attainable goals. Pick one moment a day or a week to reflect and express genuine thanks. Ultimately, take time to affirm the good things you have received.

Become mindful. Mindfulness is the acknowledgment your thoughts have wandered and bringing them back to the present moment. By being present in your life it is easier to be grateful because you were ‘all there’ for the experience. When you are present in your life it is much easier to notice the small things that are valuable, good and make life great.

Acknowledge others. Become aware of the role others play in filling our lives with goodness; this can be anyone. Become aware of how these people add value to your life and how you feel towards them. If you want to take it a step further tell them!

Gratitude Activities

Choosing how you would like to be grateful can be more challenging than you think. Here are some activities and ideas to get you started!

• Gratitude Jar - add one thing a day/week and review it at the end of the year

• Practice finding one good thing that happened each day

• Write a letter, review or thank-you card expressing your appreciation for someone

• Say consciously say ‘Thank you’ opposed to ‘Thanks’

• Take a walk and notice all of the little things you are thankful for (trees, sun, birds, sidewalks etc.)