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Living In Gratitude: Loneliness

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“We are facing a loneliness epidemic.”

According to experts, the lack of social connections could be as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

With social media and all of the connection it offers, you would think we would we all be reveling in relationships but instead, studies have shown that the more frequently we engage and use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms, the more we tend to feel socially isolated.

This issue is especially prevalent among young adults. Their primary connections are made through technology instead of face to face. This results in a lack of meaningful and fulfilling relationships and creates social isolation rather than a sense of belonging.

In a Ted Talk that discusses the top predictors of a long life, the top two were having close relationships – people you can rely upon when things get tough – and social integration –how many people you speak to and interact with throughout your day.

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These two things far outweighed exercise, healthy eating, clean air, and a variety of other things one would think would play a major role in longevity.

To enhance not only our personal happiness as well as possibly extend our lives, it is important to cultivate meaningful relationships. This means in person. Face to face. Find people that you connect with on a deep level, that you enjoy being around and can share your innermost secrets with.

And, it is equally vital that as we move through the world, we interact with people. Smile at everyone, engage in small talk with someone in line behind you, chat with the grocery clerk, make eye contact and say hello to people you pass as you walk down the street or in the halls at work. Both of these types of interpersonal connections will do more for our personal wellbeing than any amount of social media.

There is a place for social media but we’ve replaced authentic personal bonds and social integration with interacting superficially through our smartphones. This has resulted in many of us feeling more isolated and lonely than ever.

Forget Facebook. Don’t spend another instant on Instagram. It’s time to turn off Twitter and interact with people in person.

May your day be filled with gratitude, close relationships, and good things.

Living In Gratitude: Show Gratitude To People Who Challenge You

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We all have people in our lives who challenge us.

These people can be overly critical, always think they are right, take credit for other’s work or successes, bring drama to every situation, blame others, or act like they know absolutely everything.

As is human nature, we often react negatively to their behaviors, actions and personalities because we find them aggravating. But instead of getting pulled into their whirlwind of negativity, try the following ways of showing them appreciation. Because, if we think about it, they are teaching us things about ourselves and how to better handle difficult people and situations. They push us, test us and stretch our boundaries of patience, all which, if we react with kindness, tolerance and gratitude, can make us a better person. Read more

Living in Gratitude: Stop Taking Things Personally

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There is a huge amount of freedom that comes to you when you take nothing personally.” ~Don Miguel Ruiz

Most of us have taken something someone else has said personally. If someone says something negative, we may get angry or upset. And when we continually rely on others saying positive things to make us feel good, we allow them to determine our self worth and confidence. Both negatively affect our self-esteem, our relationship with ourself and with others.

When we stop taking things personally, we realize that what other people say and do is not about us at all; it’s about them.

According to Don Miguel Ruiz, author of the Four Agreements, nothing others do is because of us. Their words and actions are a projection of their own reality, their own feelings, beliefs and issues. When we become immune to the opinions and actions of others, be they negative or positive, we are no longer allowing ourselves to be victims.

Three incredible things occur when we refuse to take things to heart.

1.We become the ruler of our own emotions and get clear direction for our life. When we take the things other people say personally, both negative and positive, we are in effect handing over control of our emotions and our life to someone else.  But when we choose to no longer take things personally, we are then in charge of our emotions and our actions. What other people think or expect of us no longer has an impact. We follow our heart, believe in ourselves and do what is best for us and our lives without being influenced by outside pressures. Read more

Living In Gratitude: Appreciation Benefits Relationships

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Romantic relationships are never perfect. They are often a combination of frustration, passion, joy, and disappointment.

Often, we tend to focus on what we believe needs fixing:

  • He doesn’t take out the trash
  • She is always texting at the dinner table
  • He doesn’t listen
  • She doesn’t fill the cars up with gas

Though each of these issues could very well be perfectly valid, how about focusing on all the wonderful things we’re getting from our relationships?

Just as it’s a choice to criticize or blame our partners for what we think we’re not getting in a relationship, it’s also a choice to be grateful for what we have and for where we are in this moment.

Gratitude can not only improve your attitude; it can help improve your love life.

Let’s look at how.

How we act is what we attract. Kindness attracts kindness. Thoughtfulness attracts thoughtfulness. Love attracts love. One thoughtful act can make someone’s day. And guess what? It can make our relationships stronger. Read more

Living In Gratitude: Blessings & Lessons

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Some people come into our lives as blessings and some people come into our lives as lessons.

Both types of people have their place and both are valuable in their own ways.

The people who offer us love, friendship and support are those we should cherish and keep close. These are the relationships to nurture for years to come. Read more

Living In Gratitude: Shower the People

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Shower the people you love with love.

 

Just shower the people you love with love

Show them the way that you feel

Things are gonna work out fine if you only will

Shower the people you love with love

Read more

Living In Gratitude: Be Blessed

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Blessed are those who give without remembering and receive without forgetting. ~ Carol Adamski

When we are able to give to others without keeping a running tally, this allows us to let go and boosts our overall happiness. We should give to others not out of a sense of obligation, but because we genuinely want to express that compliment, cook that meal, volunteer our time. To give freely means nothing is expected in return.

On the flip side, when we are given something, this is where we should be sure to remember the kindness extended or the gift presented. We should express our appreciation and let the giver know how much their gift meant. By showing our gratitude, even with a simple yet heartfelt  ‘thank you‘, the giver will feel appreciated, our relationship with them will deepen, and mutually beneficial, positive feelings will result.

It may take some practice to give freely without remembering and receive graciously without forgetting, but it is something well worth the time and energy. The blessings that will grow from this practice will enhance all aspects of your life.

May your day be filled with gratitude and good things.

Living In Gratitude: Thank You

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I am ever grateful that you are in my life.

Ask yourself:

  • Who am I grateful for today?
  • How can I express my gratitude to these people?

Make a point of showing your appreciation the people who love and support you. Say thank you, give small gifts, offer your support, send an unexpected text, email or note telling that person how much you value them. Read more

Gratitude To The People We Care About

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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?

 

Hearts in grass by Julien

5 Languages of Love

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Chocolate or potato chips? Steak or seafood?

We all have preference, and so it is with HOW we like to be SHOWN love. Certain things resonate more than others, making us feel more appreciated, opening our hearts and making us feel truly loved.

How do you like to be shown love?

Melinda showers her boyfriend, Keith, with gifts to show her affection while he in turn washes her car.

But like a chocoholic being offered potato chips and vice versa, both Melinda and Keith are left less than satisfied.  Read more