“What you pay attention to grows. If your attention is attracted to negative situations and emotions, then they will grow in your awareness.”
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Sometimes it might feel like the term attitude of gratitude is overused. There are times when you might want to take that Pollyanna euphemism and bash it over someone’s head. There are so many things in our world right now that seem chaotic, depressing, uncertain and just plain negative. We are surrounded by a changing landscape, and it may seem like control is in short supply and feelings of disempowerment can encroach into our psyches. Did you know that having an Attitude of gratitude can help and be beneficial for our state of minds?
One of the benefits gratitude offers is a measure of control in a world that seems to be thrashing about like a boat in a storm. We may not be able to control outside circumstances, but we can control our attitude and inner landscape. It just takes practice. There are so many things we can look at in or outside our lives, and point out all the injustices, traumas, or tragedies. But there are so many things in our lives we can be grateful for and we can start to choose to live an empowered life.
It’s easier that you think. Try being grateful for a simple meal, a bed to sleep in, or the breath in our lungs. It can be as easy as being grateful for that coffee in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up. What about that book you read which lifted your spirits just a little or a song that brought up those happy, nostalgic feelings? Focusing on little things you are grateful for can help bring in a measure of control and help us feel grounded.
Another benefit is improving our emotional state. With everything surrounding us, self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity. Did you know that there have been studies about the effects of gratitude? It was found in a study by researchers in the Universities of Utah and Kentucky, that stress hormones are twenty-three percent less in grateful people. Gratitude can also boost our immune systems, another study found. Practicing an optimistic view or an Attitude of gratitude is a good way to reduce stress, increase health and emotional well-being.
Finally, improved self-esteem is another benefit of gratitude. When you aren’t worrying about what you don’t have or even feeling resentful of others, adapting an attitude of gratitude can reduce social comparisons. People who are grateful tend to be able to appreciate others and their accomplishments. When you see all the things in your life that you are grateful for, it makes it easier to be grateful for other’s accomplishments and blessings. It brings the good things into focus, rather than the fear-based impressions. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude helps you live in a place of empowerment and allows you to stand in your power.
Ways to create and practice an Attitude of Gratitude are:
Find simple things daily to be grateful for and then THINK, FEEL and SAY ALOUD: “Thank you for (insert item: this cup of coffee)."
Keep a Gratitude Journal.
Download a Gratitude app. A favorite of ours is one called Gratitude (#gratitudeapp).
Practice telling others or yourself why you are grateful.
Write down or say out loud daily affirmations (here are some affirmations we like) Thank you for this day. Thank you for all my blessings, big or small. I deserve to live in a state of gratitude. I am grateful to live an empowered life. When I live in a state of gratitude, everything shifts around me in positive and harmonious ways. Gratitude is my superpower. Thank you for my health, wealth and loving relationships.
Find some guided gratitude meditations (here is a short guided meditation that we like.)
When you empower your thoughts, you empower your life. When we live empowered lives, it not only benefits us, but all those around us. One of the ways we can do this is by practicing and adapting an attitude of gratitude.
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