Gratitude involves recognizing and valuing something we receive. How often do you express thanks each day? If you have children, you're aware that it's among the first lessons in good manners we impart. We understand its significance. The question is, do we understand why?
As we get ready for Thanksgiving, gratitude is a prominent thought for us all. This is the time of year when everyone collectively feels thankful. It's a moment to reflect on the blessings we have. Friends and family, whom we may not often see or talk to during the year, are with us. They join us at the dinner table or reach out with calls or texts to wish us a Happy Thanksgiving. Social media is filled with messages wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. When it's time for the turkey, many will share around the table what they are most thankful for, whether it's the food, the family, and friends around us, and today, our hearts are filled with gratitude.
When you wake up tomorrow, will you still feel that same glow of gratitude? Will you appreciate the mess you have to clean up after hosting your gratitude dinner? What about when you get into your car at 6:00 am for the Black Friday sales, dealing with parking, crowds, and people competing for this year's top items? If the thought of these experiences makes your gratitude fade, don't let it. Gratitude offers numerous benefits. Most importantly, it brings happiness. I feel happy when I make my special "Sweet Potato Biscuits" that everyone loves, even my ex-husband. I feel happy with group texts filled with gratitude and love. Experiencing happiness from gratitude can boost your energy, productivity, ability to give back, potential to increase your income, and more. If you're wondering how this is possible, consider the power of positive thinking. Just the thought of giving can increase dopamine and oxytocin in your brain. This process disrupts stress hormones, reduces cravings for sweets, and may improve overall health. Instead of practicing gratitude once a year, perhaps we should incorporate it into our daily lives.
At a recent gratitude workshop I attended, various gratitude practices were suggested. One simple practice involves recalling three things you're thankful for each day, either when you wake up or before you go to bed. This could be as straightforward as someone with a full cart letting you go ahead in line or someone holding the elevator for you as you rush to catch it. It might have been a near-miss accident you avoided or an unexpectedly long hug from your teenage daughter. It can be the simplest thing. As you remember these moments, try to recall the associated feelings. This activates dopamine and oxytocin.
You might consider expanding on this idea by keeping a gratitude journal. This practice, which many schools have introduced to their students, enhances life satisfaction, boosts academic performance, and raises GPAs.
Looking for additional ways to embrace gratitude? If you're eager to explore further, consider developing a gratitude practice that extends beyond a daily reflection. Here are some more suggestions.
Send thank you notes, for no reason except that someone makes your life richer for being in it.
Volunteer! There are so many opportunities to give back to the community in need. Think about how much gratitude those that you are helping will have for your gift of time.
No time? Donate new goods, used goods, or give money.
Help out your neighbor. Do you have an elderly neighbor? Offer to rake their lawn or pick up some groceries while you are at the market.
Say thank you and remember to feel it when you say it. Give that dopamine and oxytocin a reason to make you happy!
With today entirely focused on gratitude, there is no better moment to acknowledge the comforting sensation of thankfulness. Don't let this feeling fade. Start tomorrow with the same sense of appreciation. While it may not be a holiday and no one is reminding you to be grateful, it will be more challenging without the collective spirit. Just remember, it’s about your happiness, and gratitude is infectious. The more you practice, the more joy you’re likely to feel and share with others.
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