With Gratitude

2/30

November.

Is there any month so perfectly positioned to get us thinking about gratitude?

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough."
                                                                                        -- Melodie Beatty

While my thoughts always turn to gratitude in November, this year I've decided to delve a little deeper; to think about gratitude in a more holistic way; to purposefully weave more gratitude into my life; to develop a daily "gratitude practice;" to live with a grateful heart.

Sometimes - and especially when the world seems to be falling apart around us - it's a real challenge to feel positive and hopeful.  That's when a gratitude practice can really help!  According to Dr. Robert Emmons, pre-eminent gratitude researcher and author of Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier, the benefits of practicing gratitude can be life-changing.

1 -- Gratitude helps us put things in perspective.  When we can see the good in life as well as the bad, it's easier to find hope.  

2 -- Gratitude helps us realize what we have.  When we begin to understand what we already have, it helps us let go of our tendeny to want more all the time.

3 -- Gratitude makes us happier.  According to Dr. Emmons, gratitude strengthens relationships, improves our health, reduces stress, and contributes to our overall happiness by improving our mood.

As November unfolds, you can be sure I'll be sharing more about my gratitude journey.  I'm not quite sure where I'm going with all this, but I hope you'll join me.

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Today's post is part of Three on Thursday.  Join the rest of the gang over at Carole's.

 

 

Comments

[Bonny]

Mary just now sent me Robert Emmons' name! If anything can convince me, its scientific evidence, so I'm going to be reading some of his publications to see how and why this gratitude stuff works. I've already started my list!

[Honore´]

For sure gratitude is what has kept me "going" over this past year, especially - and I am grateful for your contribution to our gratitude journey. The blog community is so prominent in helping and reminding us of the goodness that exists despite...

Cheers~

[Bridget]

I think if you do not consciously have gratitude, you cannot really enjoy life. I'm looking forward to reading your posts about it.

[AsKatKnits]

I spent all of last year exploring gratitude and it was a very worthwhile journey! I will be adding this book to my list! Thank you! (Oh, and I am so grateful for you! XOXO)

[Patty]

This is something I try to work on every day. I don't think it can hurt to read more about it though...there's always something to learn. Thanks for the link and thanks for being you!

[Debbie]

I always try to be more intentional about gratitude during November. Gratitude frees us from the stress of worrying about what isn't and allows us to be joyful about what is, and that is just so good!

[Kmkienholz]

I am grateful for the people I have met through blogs!

[Vicki]

I've just requested that book from the library -- perfect timing in a lot of ways. I think I live/practice gratitude, but I'm not sure how well I express it...

[Carole]

Gratitude is a game changer, that's for sure.

[margene]

Gratitude is how I get through a day, how I get through a week, a year, my life. Without gratitude I would not be here. Being grateful is a gift. I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say and share on the subject and joining you in celebrating gratitude.

[Vera]

Great post and so true. I just read Mary's post as well. I think I am going to get me a pretty little book and start making my lists. I am always thinking (sometimes out loud) about what I am thankful for or grateful for, but committing it to paper should be fun.

[Jo]

What a great project—I am in!

[Mary]

LOVE LOVE LOVE!! (great minds and all that!) Emmons was the one quoted in The Book of Joy piece I shared yesterday :-)