“Acknowledging the good you already have in your life is the foundation of all abundance.” Eckhart Tolle

Gratitude is a thoughtful, meaningful expression of thanks.  While most people tend to pause and reflect on who and what they are grateful for during the holiday season, gratitude matters every day. 

Why Gratitude Matters

So, why does gratitude matter?  

In its purest form, gratitude is a return to kindness—kindness to ourselves and kindness to others. 

Gratitude acknowledges that life is good even when we feel beaten up and beaten down.  It sees the goodness around us and acknowledges the goodness in us.  Additionally, it values the goodness of others.  You do not have to feel grateful to be grateful. 

Gratitude is a Choice

Gratitude is a choice to occupy a space of optimism and abundance, if even for a little while.  Indeed, gratitude is an attitude.  Toxic emotions like jealousy, envy, resentment, fear, doubt, and regret rob us of joy and happiness.  But, gratitude can be a life-saving antidote just when you need it.  Gratitude is a choice.  Therefore, you do not have to be happy to be grateful, and you do not have to be rich to be grateful.

You can always choose to take a gratitude pause!

Benefits of Gratitude

I believe that we are wired to express gratitude.  Our bodies, minds, and relationships thrive on gratitude.  Robert Emmons, PhD is a scientific expert on gratitude and positive psychology whose research shows that people who express gratitude are more likely to report the following benefits to their bodies, minds, and relationships:  

Body

• Higher resistance to colds and flu because of a stronger immune system
• Lower heart rate and blood pressure
• Lower perception of aches and pains
• Better quality of sleep
• Better self-care
• More physical activity

Mind

• Higher levels of positive emotions and optimism even when faced with challenges
• Higher levels of joy and happiness in the everyday things of life
• Higher levels of alertness 

Relationships

• Less feelings of loneliness and isolation
• More compassionate and forgiving
• More generous and helpful
• More sociable and outgoing

Gratitude Must Be Practiced

Expressing gratitude may not come easy to you.  The pain of a traumatic childhood, bad relationships, or the disappointments in life are real, and I am not trying to minimize them.   However, anger, and unforgiveness cannot live in the same space with gratitude. 

Thus, expressing gratitude will require determination, effort, and lots of practice.

It’s also important to teach children to be grateful and to express gratitude often.  But, remember, children cannot learn what they are not taught and shown.

Express Gratitude with Words

One of the obvious ways to express gratitude is by saying, “Thank you.”  But, you can go a bit further by being specific about what you are thankful for.  For example:

• To a coworker: “Thank you for inviting me to lunch today.  I really appreciate you taking the time to get to know me better.’
• To a cashier: “Thank you for being so courteous. I can tell that you really enjoy working with people.”
• To a child: “Thank you for cleaning your room. I am so glad to see that you’re becoming more responsible.”
• To a sibling: “Thank you for calling to check on me today. I was feeling down and your call came at the right time.”

Express Gratitude by Journaling

I also practice gratitude by writing in my journal.  Journaling is a meditative and prayerful practice that I have been doing since freshman year in college.  It’s also a dialogue between me and God. For example:

• “I am thankful for my parents.  Mommy is 91 and Daddy will turn 90 soon. Many of my friends no longer have any parents alive.  Thank you for giving me loving parents who encourage me to shine brighter every day.”
• “I am thankful for my job. Sometimes it is hard working with people who don’t appreciate me. But, my job provides me with opportunities for personal and professional growth. I get to travel the world and present my research. Mentoring students is the highlight of my day.”
• “I am thankful for my gym membership. I do not go as often as I should, but it is close to my house and I always feel great when I go.”
• “I am thankful for the food on my table. I do not always eat as healthy as I should, but I am more fortunate than others.  Help me to make healthier foods today.”

Express Gratitude with Action

Showing gratitude in a tangible way is like icing on a cupcake or sprinkles and whipped cream on an ice cream sundae. 

One of my best friends, Thomasenia, has drilled it in her kids to send hand-written thank you cards.  I get a big smile when I get a card with crooked words saying, “Thank you for taking me to the movies, Aunt Dee.” 

Before my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he always sent a card on my birthday and Valentine’s Day.  I am forever grateful for him always treating me like a princess.

Do not underestimate the joy you will bring to someone’s day by:

• Writing a thank you note
• Giving a Starbucks gift card to the receptionist
• Sending flowers to the administrative assistant
• Taking a meal to an elderly neighbor
• Putting a sticker on a student’s paper
• Taking a co-worker to lunch
• Calling rather than texting a friend
• Hugging a friend

I am also grateful to each one of you who have been reading my blogs and sharing the posts with others. 

Reflect

Please share your experience in the comment section of this blog. Or you can join the conversation on the Keep It Tight Sisters Facebook Group.

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