Develop a Practice of Gratitude to Improve Positive Thinking

Every day we have an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate what we have, what we look forward to, and the people we have around us. I hope you’ll take a moment to make your own list of what you are grateful for. If you aren’t familiar with the benefits and practice of gratitude, let me share a little with you…

Start with the WHY. Why is developing a practice of gratitude so important? It’s one thing to say “I should show more gratitude”, but what is the actual scientific background?

Our brains have a negativity bias – we are always on the lookout for what might be bad or dangerous or different than us. It is what has kept our human species alive for thousands of years, but we no longer live in the days of prehistoric man. All that in-born radar for the bad can lead to a lot of negative thinking, which can lower our mood and prevent us from enjoying life or from doing certain things we want to do because of caution or fear.

Practicing gratitude is like having radar for the good.

·         What good things have happened today?

·         What and who am I grateful to have in my life?

·         What activities am I grateful to be able to do each day?

A simple yet not always so obvious list of gratitude might include, “I’m so grateful to have had the time to explore some interesting articles on the internet – and I’m grateful for the internet! I’m grateful for my good friend Sheila, who I text good night to as my accountability buddy. I’m grateful I GET to brush my teeth and prevent cavities!”

According to Harvard Health, “Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

Why practice gratitude? Because it is a completely positive emotion that can lead to other positive emotions. It can help us shift our mood, reframe a problem, and give us the motivation to push through a challenging situation.

How Can I Be More Grateful?

You can bring gratitude into your life on the smallest to the largest scale. There are many gratitude-prompting questions on the internet or just ask yourself, “What/who am I grateful for?” and then see where it leads you.

• Write in a journal, on post-its, on social media, and/or on a digital app.

• If you’re not big on writing, just say it to yourself.

• Tell others what you are grateful for.

• Encourage others to also be grateful and you'll be surrounded by grateful people, (who are often more enjoyable to be around than complaining people!)

• Share it, keep it private, or make a book out of it; the gratitude practice is yours to benefit from.
  

When Should I Practice Gratitude?

There is no “best” time to show gratitude. Try any of the following: when you get up in the morning, during breaks, before bed, when you are feeling your lowest, or when you are feeling your highest, and of course, when you notice you are grateful for something or someone!

Above all, be sure that the people you love know that you appreciate them and are grateful they are in your life!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I’ll be thankful to have my daughters and their families with us to celebrate Steve’s big birthday!