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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.
Giving thanks. It’s easy to forget and it’s easy to take for granted those people in our lives who we truly care about. When we tune in and feel gratitude it opens our hearts and brings us to a plane where true joy happens. The most important place to feel and express gratitude is in our most important relationships. Yet, often we take those relationships for granted. What would happen if we took a few minutes each day to give thanks to our partners, children, family? I think that a lot of insignificant gripes would drop away. Seeing and expressing gratitude has a way of moving us to step back, see the bigger picture and remind us what we really want. Open your heart. Give thanks. See what happens.
How would you like to show gratitude to the people you care about?
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?
What makes you happy? Have you ever wondered why? Sit back and enjoy this video experiment on what makes people happier.
Take time each day to say thank you, to appreciate all of the things and people in your life. Science shows, thankful people are happiest!
…if you live feeling like
Your glass is half empty, well,
It may as well be empty all the way.
~Mattie J.T. Stepanek, Journey Through Heartsongs
The word “appreciation” means really seeing something for what it is – having an awareness of how special, how lucky, how unique, how blessed, how big, wonderful or awesome something is. Appreciation is a recognition not based on comparison, but based on the intrinsic value, character or immensity of a thing, action or person.
Some people are born “appreciators”. They value the essence of everything – the beauty of a sunset, the fragile green of a leaf, the boundless energy of a small child. Others must learn to see the beauty and wonder in the world.
Teaching children the value of appreciation is so important. It opens the heart, giving them a sense of belonging, a sense of community. Gratitude opens children up to the awareness of what others provide. Helping children grow an ‘attitude of gratitude’ can begin at a very early age. Read more
Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it ~Ralph Marston
Have you ever wanted to give a friend, significant other, family member, teacher or co-worker a very special gift to express how much they mean to you but were at a loss to find the perfect present?
A one-of-a-kind, heartfelt present that’s simple to create. Odds are, it will be treasured as one of the best — or maybe even the best — gift your special someone has ever received. Read more
