"The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest."
Research shows us the correlation between gratitude and happiness. We can also see this by observing the people around us. Who do you see expressing more gratitude, happy people or grumpy people? There are many psychological and physical benefits to showing more gratitude toward ourselves and others. From a science perspective, focusing on positive thoughts increases the dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin levels in our brain which help elevate our mood. Gratitude is essentially free feel-good fuel for our minds.
I have had more awareness around the benefits of gratitude for about the last 15 years. It helps me find the good in every situation. Sometimes this task can be a struggle when it can be easy to put a spotlight on the negativity we face in life. When things do not go my way, or people mistreat me, I do my best not to dwell on the outcome. Sometimes, people mistreat us. Sometimes, things don't go our way. I have shifted to being more grateful for the experience and learning what I can from the results, no matter how unfavorable they were. I think about how I can create a more favorable outcome in the future.
Photo by Jure Širić on Pexels
This shift in my thinking and perspective has helped increase my overall wellbeing and quality of life. It amazes me how important our mindset is to creating our mood. Now, instead of getting inpatient in heavy traffic, I am grateful for the ability to drive my own vehicle to work while listening to my favorite podcasts or music. Instead of getting irritated by people complaining about whatever happens to be bothering them at the moment, I am grateful to help cheer them up, to a point. I am also grateful to know how to set boundaries with others when it comes to giving them my time and attention.
It has been a gradual shift, but expressing more gratitude in general has been so rewarding. It's humbling and has helped me develop more empathy for myself and others. I owe my increased attitude of gratitude to connecting more with Spirit through time in silence. It helps me understand how underneath it all, we are all connected. Knowing this helps me appreciate and enjoy the magic of life so much more. For this insight I am truly grateful. What are you grateful for right now?
More Wellness!
