By Dr. Les Wright Jr.
Wright, Jr., L. (2023, November). Creating a Habit of Gratitude. The Chronicle, vol. 150, p. 3.
Based on my experience with my clients, people around this time of year usually have a keen focus. They are either (a) focusing on their end-of-year goals or (b) getting ready for holiday shopping. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it is a great time to revisit your goals for the year and create a habit of gratitude. Thanksgiving serves as a yearly reminder of the significance of gratitude as families and friends gather to express appreciation for life’s blessings. However, the spirit of gratitude does not have to be shoved into the fridge with the leftovers. What if you could cultivate gratitude as a regular practice and experience its incredible benefits year-round?
Gratitude is more than just a way of expressing thanks—thanks for a meal, an event, or an act of kindness. It is the conscious appreciation of any aspect of our life experiences. Practicing gratitude is one of the easiest ways to shift our state of mind from negative to positive in a matter of seconds. Just savoring something you are grateful for can broaden your perspective on life in the following ways:
#1 - Strengthening Relationships
Expressing gratitude strengthens social bonds and enhances relationships. It fosters a sense of connection and community with others. As we become more grateful for our friends and family, we treat them with more kindness and respect.
#2 - Enhancing Self-Esteem
Gratitude promotes a positive self-image and shores up our sense of self-worth.
#3 - Challenging Limiting Beliefs
Having a limited view of things can impede our appreciation of the present. We can embrace a more positive mindset by recognizing and reframing these beliefs. Clearing and refocusing with a favorite song, a happy memory, or some mindful movement can help us let go of what we no longer need.
#4 - Improving Overall Well-Being
Gratitude can help your physical health, increase life satisfaction, and give you a more optimistic outlook on life
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Final Thoughts
Gratitude is a powerful force that can enrich our lives in countless ways. It is important to express thanks to the people who help us or silently acknowledge the things we are grateful for in life. Why not offer thanks to those who do something for you today, no matter how small, even if their job is to help you? When you are grateful and open your heart and fill it with appreciation, notice how that makes you feel. It should be an annual tradition and a daily practice that can lead you to profound personal growth, happiness, and well-being.
Happy Thanksgiving from TWC!
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