It is impossible to be grateful and depressed simultaneously.
And when we are feeling down, one of the quickest ways to boost our spirits is to reflect on what we have to be grateful for. Even when our days are darkest, there is always something we can appreciate. Really.
To immediately feel secure with yourself and your place in the world, give gratitude.
Adopting an attitude of gratitude and backing it with grateful actions offers many uplifting results, including feeling more secure and happy with one’s place in the world. Showing appreciation chases away insecurity for multiple reasons. It opens our eyes and hearts to all we have in life. And when we express our gratitude toward others, that in turn makes them feel more grateful, happy and worthwhile. What goes around, comes around. Read more
Being satisfied and grateful with what we already have is a magical golden key to being alive in a full, unrestricted, and inspired way. ~Pema Chodron
A few weeks ago, I hurt my elbow and had it in a temporary cast and wrapped from above my elbow to my wrist. Although I wasn’t in pain, I was restricted in my movements and generally felt very cumbersome. Suddenly, I was made acutely aware of how luxurious it is to be able to bend or straighten one’s arm, scratch an itch, reach above my head, and lie on my side. This incident made me appreciate the function of my healthy arm and elbow and all they do to make my life easier. Read more
It’s Good To Be Grateful!
Robert Emmons, noted researcher in the psychology of gratitude, was asked what were the three key things he wanted people to know about gratitude. “First, the practice of gratitude can increase happiness levels by around 25%. Second, this is not hard to achieve–a few hours writing in a gratitude journal over 3 weeks can create an effect that lasts 6 months if not more. Third, cultivating gratitude brings other health effects, such as longer and better quality sleep time.”
25% happier? Sounds good to me! Then, a little time journaling our ‘gratitudes’ for long lasting effects along with better health? That’s a pretty good deal for the amount of effort. Read more
Take time to reflect, write in your journal or post on Facebook.
The more you recognize and express gratitude for the things you have, the more things you will have to express gratitude for. ~Zig Ziglar
The days that I keep my gratitude higher than my expectations, those are really good days. ~Ray Wylie Hubbard
Expectations…we all have them, of ourselves and of others. Consider how often those expectations are set so high that they aren’t met. By setting our expectations at such a level, we often also set ourselves up for failure or disappointment.
Instead, try setting your sights high for appreciating all you have, big, small and in between. Being thankful allows us to open our hearts to all that happens in life, not just what we ‘expect’. Remember the old saying, “The best things in life are unexpected!”
In what ways were you kind, thoughtful, genuine and thankful today?
Self-love is an inner state that occurs when you decide that it is okay to be who you are and recognizing what you want is important.
Self respect, responsibility for self, and feeling good are important values. Appreciation and acceptance of oneself, of flaws and strengths alike, allows for a balanced, loving approach toward ourselves. It enables increased creativity, resilience from adversity, and allows us to give of ourselves more freely to others.
