Gratitude-Plus

Of all the healthy emotions, gratitude appears to be at the top of the list for our overall well-being. It helps us focus on what we have, rather than what we don’t and turns our attention to the sweetness, rather than dwelling on the sour parts of life.

Think of it this way: Gratitude is the emotional glue that strengthens bonds. In fact, one study found that couples low in gratitude had a 50 percent chance of breaking up six months later than those higher in gratitude. The break up most likely due to one or both feeling as if they have been taken for granted. 

Here are some reminders on how to practice gratitude:

·         Gratitude is a skill. Like a muscle, it gets stronger the more we use it. Start small, such as being thankful for that first cup of coffee. After a while, gratitude can become a regular habit where we train our brain to focus on the many gifts in life, rather than the gripes.

·         It’s not enough to simply feel grateful, we must express it as well. Those in our inner circle aren’t mind readers. Do not assume they know you are grateful for them. Make it a habit to tell them on a regular basis. Gratitude is like compound interest. The more we express it the stronger our connections become.

·         It’s not just if you express gratitude but how you do it that matters. When expressing gratitude to others be sure to focus on the strengths and actions of the giver, not just the gifts and benefits to yourself. For example, if your spouse cooked you a delicious meal, don’t simply focus on how much you liked the food. Consider acknowledging their kindness in taking the time to cook a special dinner and their sensitivity in noticing how a nutritious meal is important to you.

A grateful heart and mind can do wonders for our individual and relational well-being. The more we practice gratitude, the better we feel and the stronger our relationships become.