Happiness is one of the most wonderful and exhilarating emotions of the human experience. And the best news is that experiencing the sheer joy of being alive is well within reach. It starts by cultivating thoughts of gratitude for what’s going on in your life, regardless of the circumstance.
Gratitude is the gateway emotion that allows happiness to show up because it makes us feel full and complete. Gratitude is the realization that we have everything we need for the challenges we face, at least in the present moment.
A heart that is full of gratitude has no room for negative emotions. Just as the sunshine pushes away the darkness of night, a grateful soul finds ways to be thankful for the experiences and lessons that come from every situation. Sometimes, our present life situations can feel heavy and without hope. But when you can find things to be grateful for – a clean bed, food in your belly, friends, family, etc. – life becomes a little brighter and a happier spirit begins to shine through.
Identifying the Lack of Gratitude in Our Lives
Too many of us spend far too much time cataloging all the ways we have been injured, abused, and hurt. We analyze, hash over, and ruminate about all the who’s, what’s, and where’s of our misery like it’s an ongoing stage play. Friends and therapists, although try as they might, are not often able to redirect the negative mental state toward something more positive and uplifting. We often take the stance that if things are going well right now, it’s only a matter of time before they’ll take a turn for the worse.
And while ‘life’ still happens, there’s no need to hang on to the negative emotions that weigh you down. We all experience unexpected and disappointing situations at one time or another. But one thing is for sure: every one of us is free to change the way we think about our lives. And as our minds change, so will our experiences.
Gratitude Cultivates an Open Heart
Gratitude is a spiritual principle, and like most spiritual truths, it is stunningly simple. Simple, but not easy. At least not at first. If you view your life from a more spiritual perspective, you will understand that you are here to become more loving, kind, and hopeful. By cultivating an attitude of gratitude, you will be free to live from an open heart, one that is full of expectation about the good things that are to come or the important lessons you’re about to learn. Gratitude is less about the present and more about transforming your current perspective into one that makes you smile from the inside.
The Positive Always Wins
One of the most amazing things about gratitude is that it is impossible to feel both the positive emotion of thankfulness and a negative emotion such as anger or fear at the same time. Gratitude creates only positive feelings – love, compassion, joy, and hope.
Once we begin focusing on what we are thankful for, the negative emotions of fear, anger, and bitterness simply melt away. This is because gratitude helps us stay focused on what’s good and right in our lives, not all the things that are going wrong.
Gratitude Starts with the Simple Things
Incorporating gratitude and thankfulness into your life is both an attitude and a practice, one that will take time to build up and strengthen. Just like building muscle, developing a strong and healthy sense of gratitude requires consistent practice and a conscious redirect of your natural way of thinking. The best way to start is by noticing the people around you whom you can easily be grateful for. It might be a best friend, a spouse, or your children. Maybe it’s the barista who always knows how to make your perfect morning latte or a co-worker who always makes you smile.
You can also tap into this feeling when you think of situations in the past that made you especially happy. Reliving those experiences through the lens of gratitude allows you to identify what you are truly grateful for and how those moments have shaped your life today. Before long, you will find that being grateful will become a natural and normal part of the expression of your life.
The Health Benefits of Gratitude
Science has long confirmed that feelings of gratitude have a strong influence on your health. They are in fact, just like a thought pharmacy inside your own body. Positive emotions such as gratitude and love have been shown to increase endorphin levels and boost the immune system. Gratitude wipes out worry. Gratitude naturally draws people toward us. Gratitude cures perfectionism. Gratitude allows for kindness and generosity. Gratitude opens our hearts to more abundance, success, and happiness in our daily lives.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude
1. Say Thank You as Often as Possible
Expressing gratitude verbally is a fundamental way to cultivate your new attitude. Make it a habit to thank people for their kindness, whether it's a simple "thank you" to a cashier, a heartfelt note of appreciation to a coworker, or a warm smile to a stranger who holds the door for you. When you express your thanks, you not only acknowledge others' efforts but will also boost your own spirit. It's a small gesture but has a significant impact on your overall outlook on life.
2. Send a Thank You Card or Note
Take the time to send thank you cards or notes to people who have made a difference in your life. This simple act of kindness goes beyond the immediate moment of gratitude and provides the recipient with tangible evidence of your appreciation for him or her. Consider sending handwritten notes to friends, family, or colleagues to express your appreciation for their support, encouragement, or even just their presence in your life.
3. Give Thanks at Meals
Mealtimes provide an excellent opportunity to cultivate gratitude. Before eating, take a moment to acknowledge the time, effort, and people that were invested into preparing your food. Whether you pray to a higher power or not, you can express gratitude for the farmers, the cooks, and the abundance of food on your table. This practice not only fosters thankfulness but also encourages mindfulness during meals, leading to better digestion and an overall sense of well-being.
4. Write a List of What You Are Thankful For
Keeping a gratitude journal is a powerful tool for nurturing gratitude. Set aside time each day or week to jot down the things you're thankful for. These can be simple things like enjoying a warm cup of tea on a chilly morning, hearing the laughter of your children, or appreciating the support of a friend during a tough time. Reflecting on these positive aspects of your life can help shift your focus away from negativity, allowing gratitude to take center stage.
5. Compliment Others as Often as You Can
Offering compliments and expressions of gratitude to others not only brightens their day but also enhances your own sense of well-being. Practice sincere and specific compliments. Instead of just saying “thank you” or "you're awesome," be specific about what you appreciate about them. Acknowledge their strengths, achievements, or the positive impact they've had on you. This practice builds stronger bonds with others and fosters a sense of community, as people are naturally drawn to those who appreciate and uplift them.
6. Appreciate the Beauty of Nature
Spend time outdoors and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world. Whether it's taking a stroll in the park, a hike in the mountains, or simply sitting in your backyard, take in the sights, sounds, and sensations of nature. Notice the intricate details of a flower, the stillness of the grass, or the majesty of a sunset. Connecting with nature helps you appreciate the wonder and awe of the world around you. It reminds you of the beauty that exists even in challenging times and encourages a deeper sense of gratitude for the environment that sustains us.
Gratitude Can Change Your Life
Remember, the only thing we can really control in our lives is the attitudes we choose. Make a conscious decision to choose gratitude rather than staying stuck inside the negative loop of pain and frustration. When gratitude stays front and center, you’ll not only discover a more fulfilling and joyful life but also inspire others around you to refrain from negative conversations and instead, focus on cultivating their own journey of discovering the power of gratitude. Happiness is definitely within reach, and it begins with the attitude of gratitude – a simple yet profound principle that has the power to transform your life from the inside out.
