Gratitude - The Ultimate Choice

Have you ever known someone who seems to be able to be positive and keep a good attitude despite the chaos all around them? You know, the person who is always appreciative of the good times, but also seems to be able to focus on the positive in the face of adversity? They seem to find the good in the people that drive you crazy, and the opportunity in challenging situations.

I remember hearing many years ago about the story of Roger Bannister, the first man to run the 4-minute mile and break not only a record, but also the limiting beliefs about what was possible. I look to this story for hope about the plight of mankind on lots of different issues. It points to the fact that if one man can do it; anyone can-even when it comes to being more grateful!

One of the unique features of being human is our ability to literally "change our minds" and choose our thoughts. In the case for gratitude it is something that I am extremely grateful for!

If we so choose, gratitude is something that we could actually extend throughout the entire year. As it turns out, the choice to do so could be the path to better health and more importantly, a lower stress level!

The Many Benefits of Gratitude

As it turns out, grateful people--who are defined by those who consider gratitude a mode rather than a mood-- have an edge when it comes to health. The research of Robert Emmons PhD of the University of California suggests that grateful people take better care of themselves, have healthier diets, exercise more and get regular physical examinations. It would appear that that regular feeling of thankfulness also helps people cope with daily stress and problems.

Immune Boost

Lisa Aspinall, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Utah has also found links to optimism and better immune function. This effect also had an impact on people with

health issues, like AIDS as well as surgical patients. They all had better outcomes when they maintained attitudes of optimism.

Adversity and loss decreases with gratitude

It has been found that when someone experiences great loss or tragedy, that it is still possible to experience gratitude. In a web-based survey taken after 9/11, it was interesting to note an increased level in gratitude after this most tragic day! This has been attributed to an increased sense of belonging after the horrific event.

Christopher Peterson, PhD who did the study noted that gratitude in the aftermath of 9/11 seemed to create a buffer to even the most negative effects of stress, including post-traumatic stress disorder!

In other studies by Aspinall, facing losses early in life can experience great personal growth overtime.

Greater Well Being and Relationships

In fact, cultivating gratitude appears to contribute to a sense of greater well-being, and can even strengthen your relationships. When we find things to appreciate about others, the ones who are appreciated usually reciprocate with more kindness as well, and also do more to earn the appreciation!

Can I really make Gratitude my new Mode?

Gratitude can be cultivated by just about anyone. The brain is just like any other muscle in the body and learning to be more optimistic is just like any other skill- it is learned by practice. Try incorporating some of the following into your life, and notice if there is a significant increase in your feelings of gratitude.

Cut Out Comparisons

One of the biggest contributors to feelings of inferiority and stress is the simple act of comparing yourself to others. This is usually because we make the wrong comparisons.

We look at things through the mirrors of LACK or ABUNDANCE. Focusing on what you don't have compared to another can cause stress. Focusing on how lucky you are to have someone around you who is such an inspiration is a way to incorporate an attitude of abundance. It is simple shift- and it is the difference between having stress, and cultivating gratitude and optimism.

Keep A Gratitude Journal

This is probably the number one suggestion by most mental health advisors and life coaches. Not only will this help you cultivate a more positive attitude, but it will also be a great catalog of sorts to read during times when it might be a little more difficult to be grateful. People who journal on a regular basis even exercise more, have fewer physical symptoms and feel better about their lives as a whole.

Watch your Language

Carefully monitor the way you talk to yourself throughout the day. Instead of focusing on problems you are faced with reframe it and choose language that promotes the benefits of a particular situation instead. This can help when you have to cope with a difficult person in your life and help you develop more patience and understanding.

Write Thank You Notes

Make it a goal to write at least one thank you note a week. Buy some special decorative or monogrammed stationery and make it stationery and a pen you love to write with and make it a beautiful ritual.

Article Source: Angela W Bussio

 Practicing gratitude can help you find your life's purpose. Come and join us in our DailyGratitude4Life Facebook Group.  The one thing you could do to improve everything about your life - your emotional health, your physical well being and your lifespan - would be to move into a daily practice of gratitude.