Gratitude is a subject most of us are familiar with at surface level, but while we may talk of gratitude and share stories about how gratitude has impacted the life of one of our friends or family members, do we truly know what gratitude means?
When I think of someone that embodies the spirit of gratitude, I think of my grandfather. As the son of a farmer, he grew up very poor. Soon after completing his college degree he secured a job as a school teacher in the state of Louisiana, and he raised a family of five on a very meager budget.
Even though he never succeeded financially according to the world’s standards, I have never heard him complain about not having enough. In fact, he did just the opposite. For as long as I’ve known him, my grandfather has given thanks for every blessing in his life: his family, his relationship with a higher power, the kids he’s taught over the years, and his health. When I think of someone who embodies gratitude, my grandfather is the first person I think of.
Gratitude can Improve the Quality of Your Life
A few years ago a study was conducted on gratitude by two pyschologists, Michael McCollough of Southern Methodist University and Robert Emmons of the University of California at Davis. The experiment involved splitting a few hundred people into groups and giving them each an assignment to write in a diary every day. One group of people were instructed to write anything they wanted in their diary (good or bad), another group was instructed to only record their negative experiences and emotions, and the third group was instructed to write about everything they felt grateful for.
It’s no surprise that of all the groups participating in the experiment, the group who repeated daily gratitude exercises reported higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, energy, and optimism. They also were less prone to stress, depression, were healthier, and were more likely to reach out and give service to those around them, which led them to experience even more happiness.
Notice the Good in Every Day
Bad things happen in our lives everyday, but even though everything doesn’t stay peachy all the time, there is always so much to be grateful for. Have you ever stopped to think about all the wonderful experiences you’ve had in your life? To go right along with that, have you ever thought about all the wonderful experiences you have yet to experience in your life?
Even though you may lose your job, have trouble in school, or feel overwhelmed or depressed, make sure you take a moment each day to express gratitude for what you have. You can start your own gratitude journal (I highly recommend doing that), or you can speak your words of gratitude out loud to yourself, or you can even express your gratitude to the people you are close to.
Interestingly enough, when you practice gratitude on a regular basis, you are happier and you experience more blessings. If you are struggling financially but you continually give thanks for what you have, you improve your chances of becoming prosperous and living abundantly. No matter what area of life you’re struggling with, remember to be grateful for everything you have. When you face a certain trial, try asking yourself: “What can I learn from this experience?”, or “What good can I find in what’s happening to me?”
Begin Practicing Gratitude Today!
If you want to jumpstart your journey of gratitude, try challenging yourself to write in your gratitude journal every day, or take on a negative thinking fast where you only speak positive words and think positive thoughts for an extended period of time—maybe 21-30 days. Even if it seems challenging right now, just know that having more gratitude will literally change your life. Trust me, I’m living proof.