Choose Gratitude
I hope our annual American Thanksgiving holiday isn’t a cynical reminder that every other day is a major disappointment. Of course, if your favorite football team loses the big game on “turkey day” all bets are off!
Perhaps you are wondering, “How can anyone be grateful if they have recently lost a job, buried a loved one, or been traumatized by violence?” Scientific research is shedding light on this topic by noting how having an attitude of gratitude improves on our ability to cope with stress and more easily achieve our goals.
What other secrets might a life of gratitude hold for us to discover?
Gratitude Defined
The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context).
Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what one receives, whether tangible or intangible.
Gratitude is a process that notices all the goodness already present in our lives. It helps us connect to something larger than ourselves; the goodness we experience in others, from nature, or a relationship with a Higher Power.
Gratitude is expressed and experienced in a variety of ways. You may have fond memories of childhood or some other past event. When we are open to present circumstances, we often notice how blessed we are. It’s also possible to develop and maintain an optimistic attitude for the future, even though it is still a mystery.
Recently, science has found a variation in a gene (CD38) that is actually associated with gratitude. Apparently, some positive people, whose gratitude and optimism seems unusually high, may actually be born that way. For the rest of us there are tangible actions we can take to recognize life’s blessings and treasure them, even in the face of challenges.
Developing an Attitude of Gratitude
There are many different ways to cultivate gratitude. Author, Arthur C. Brooks, suggests focusing on both interior and exterior gratitude.
Interior gratitude is the practice of being thankful privately for the many blessings we enjoy. Things like health, family, a job, or an especially brilliant sunrise. Nothing is too small for this private form of practicing thankfulness.
Exterior gratitude is how you publicly express your thankfulness. Writing notes, sending flowers, offering a simple “thank you,” or sharing a smile with those you meet fits this approach. Being grateful actually attracts others to us because they sense our hopefulness about the future.
Gratitude is good for our health. Studies have shown that gratitude affects mood neurotransmitters, the inflammatory and immune system, stress hormones, blood pressure, cardiac rhythms, blood sugar levels, reproductive hormones, and social bonding hormones.
During this holiday season be grateful for what you have. Cast your eyes on the many reasons to smile. Release regrets and fearlessly face the future. Be thankful for food, shelter, clothing, family, friends, and freedom.
Then commit to practicing gratitude as a regular habit throughout the year, not just on a special day designated to celebrate it.
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