The power of gratitude

When is the last time you took a moment to ruminate on all the good in your life? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. 

Between jam-packed schedules, caring for others, and the never-ending daily list of chores, we tend to forget to create time to take a breather. Unlike other beneficial health practices, cultivating a gratitude practice can be done in very little time with no costly devices, memberships, or equipment.

Gratitude is a strong and deeply-rooted emotion of appreciation. It originates from days when our survival depended on the help of others. The positive feeling of gratitude can inspire us to show appreciation, which will, in turn, make others more likely to help us again in the future. This is perhaps why today we feel the most grateful when we give or receive an act of kindness. 

According to psychology research, gratitude is “a social emotion that signals our recognition of the things others have done for us.”

A more detailed definition is provided by The Harvard Medical School, writing that gratitude is 
“a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives … As a result, gratitude also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals–whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.” 

So if it’s been a while since you’ve evaluated the good in your life, a simple way to start is to think of three things that have gone well for you and identify the cause. Go a step further by imagining what your life would be like if these positive events had not occurred.

A great place to start?

I recommend picking up The 5 Minute Journal. The simplest thing you can do to start your day happier by focusing on the positive and becoming more mindful. The Five Minute Journal’s guided and structured exercises will lead you down a path toward an enhanced version of the person you already are. The best part is when you are able to include the whole family in this practice. They also have a version for kids!