Attitude of Gratitude
Written by: Morgan Shawler, CFW Health Fitness Program Manager
As the year is rounding the last corner before the new year, we enter the season of gratitude.
But what does gratitude really mean? Gratitude is defined as a sense of happiness and thankfulness in response to the good things in your life. Today, you may be grateful for a coworker who helped you on a big project. Tomorrow, your hands may be full and that stranger held the door open for you. Practicing gratitude can improve your mental health to boosting our relationships with others. Each of the small gratifying moments strengthen your ability to notice the good.
Building the capacity for gratitude may take a little practice. Start here with these first steps:
- Affirm the good things we’ve received.
Reflect back on how you felt when you received the good. Were you happy, sad, surprised? Why did it make you feel that way?
- Remember the Bad
To be grateful in your current state, it is helpful to remember the hard times you have experienced.
- Acknowledge the role others play in providing our lives with goodness.
Even noticing the thank yous you say, can you name what you feel grateful for?
These actions of gratitude can be expressed verbally, through a gratitude journal, and in meditation. The actions of gratitude are endless!