Attitude of Gratitude | WBT October 10, 2021
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WBT… About cultivating and attitude of gratitude (and what to do when you’re just not feeling it.)
You probably already know that we recommend a daily gratitude practice. Even, and actually especially, when you’re feeling decidedly ungrateful. We don’t have perfect lives and all of us, at least some of the time, have a lot to be ungrateful for. (Or so it seems.) While we can’t ignore that stuff and we need to process it as it comes up, there are some really solid reasons to work on your gratitude, even when you’re not feeling it.
Here are a few:
Gratitude makes us happier - acknowledging and expressing gratitude naturally makes us feel more gratitude.
Gratitude makes us more successful in our career by improving our decision-making and our interactions with others because we are starting from a better frame of mind.
Gratitude makes us less materialistic and reduces envy - it helps us understand what’s really important in life.
Gratitude makes us better people - we’re nicer, more appreciative, more optimistic, and less self-centered when we’re feeling grateful.
Gratitude makes us healthier - studies show the health benefits of a gratitude journal on things like pain, blood pressure, depression and so much more.
Gratitude makes our memories of the past happier, makes us more resilient when the bad stuff comes, and increases our energy levels.
People who practice gratitude experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.
And actually expressing gratitude increases the effects!
So, where do you start? We like to start our day with a little gratitude. Yes, sometimes it takes a great deal of willpower and creativity. But it’s worth it!
If you’re struggling with that, try this:
Be specific - rather than saying I’m grateful for my awesome sister today, say I am grateful that my sister invited me for dinner tonight. Nothing is too small to be grateful for.
Expand your view - note your gratitude for the new crosswalk lighting on your street or the sustainability initiatives in Indonesia.
Be social about it - share your gratitude for another person with them.
Be creative and make a point of thinking about new and different things!
Gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s an everyday kind of thing. So why not start cultivating your attitude of gratitude today?!