Attitude of Gratitude

  • November 17th, 2021
  • By Pathway Caring for Children

As we enter into a season of giving and gratitude it’s important to reflect on the countless benefits of showing our thanks!

WAYS TO PRACTICE GRATITUDE:

Say THANK YOU. You are recognizing and appreciating the value of someone or something. It is also a way of showing deep respect when the thank you is genuine and you acknowledge the time, sacrifice, or thoughtfulness of someone’s actions.

Do something kind for someone else. Giving and helping others fills our hearts as we fill the hearts of others — home-bound elderly, hospital patients, veterans, homeless people. Through giving we receive a gift of appreciation which makes us feel warm inside and is more valuable and meaningful in the long run than a material gift.

Start a gratitude journal. Take time each day to write down just a few simple things you’re grateful for. This can be as simple as jotting it down in your phone notes! The list will continue to grow and you can look back as a reminder for all the special things in your life.

BENEFITS OF GRATITUDE:

Improves physical, mental, and emotional well-being: Being grateful leads to taking care of yourself and your body, thus overall being a healthy person. By practicing gratitude you’re also less likely to compare yourself to others which leads to improved self-esteem and a more positive attitude. Each of these has also been proven to boost one’s immune system and reduce levels of stress.

Strengthens relationships: Showing appreciation for someone in your life opens the door for more meaningful connections. “A study of couples found that individuals who took time to express gratitude for their partner not only felt more positive toward the other person but also felt more comfortable expressing concerns about their relationship.” ~Harvard Research https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier

Makes you a happier person: Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.