Gratitude and Personal Well Being

Dr. Robert A Emmons is a scientific expert on gratitude. He is a professor of psychology at the University of California, David, the founding editor-in-chief of the Journal of Positive Psychology, and author of two books on gratitude. His extensive research on the psychology of gratitude and its impact on individuals show that those who regularly express gratitude increase their "happiness" by 25%. They are also more optimistic, sleep better and have more energy. Other researchers such as Dr. Michael E. McCullough, University of Main and Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman, University of Pennsylvania also found that those who regularly express gratitude increased their happiness, improved their relationships with others and resulted in fewer trips to physicians. 
 
These studies don't necessarily prove cause and effect, but there appears to be enough scientific evidence to show a positive relationship between gratitude and one's self worth and well being.
 
All of us can develop a sense of gratitude. It is not an emotion that is necessarily innate. It is learned. That's why our mothers, fathers and others teach us when and how to express it. If expressing gratitude is not your long suit consider these activities which contribute to an attitude of gratitude.
 

• Keep a gratitude journal: Every day jot down the things that happened during the day for which you are grateful. Review your journal monthly and reflect on what it is telling you about gratefulness. 

• Show Compassion: There is a correlation between compassion and gratitude. Developing a sense of gratitude can lead us to a deeper sense of compassion; nurturing compassion leads us back to gratitude. 

• Three Jots to One. Each week jot down three things you are grateful for during the past week. Make this a regular practice.

• Write a thank you note: Writing a thank you note makes you feel happier and pleases the other person. Write one once a month. Write one to yourself. Recently we received one from our Grandchild for taking care of her puppy. It will go into our file for safe keeping. I have received several from appreciative clients. They have prompted me to become more aware of the power of gratefulness. 

• Meditate: Take a few minutes each day and meditate on the word "grateful" or visualize something in nature that prompts a sense of appreciation. 

•  Pray:  Opening ourselves to the Spirit (our Spiritual Source or God) prompts greater feelings of gratefulness. Prayer provides a gateway to that Spirit. You don't have to be religious to pray because prayer in and of itself is not religious, it's spiritual.

The best way to thank someone is to be specific for that which you are thankful, acknowledge the effort that person provided, and tell him/her what it has done for you personally, Sometimes, all it takes is for us to say "thank you" and mean it.

Source: From the Archives of Fontanie Learning Solutions