I was going through some old blogs and found this one on gratitude. It seems worth repeating. Some time ago, I wrote: I listened to some TED talks on gratitude. By the time the program was finished, I was filled to overflowing, even close to tears. There was so much hope, so many possibilities for healing the vast chasms dividing us. While gratitude will not heal all our wounds, it can always let in some light. Some of the observations that caught my attention were:
— Don’t just count your blessings, be a blessing to others. A generosity of spirit can avoid many possible problems
–Say thank you to your family members when they do the everyday jobs they are expected to do, like making their beds, taking out the garbage, feeding the dog, and setting the table. We tend to give greater credence to what friends and strangers do for us than to what family members do. Gratitude is the grease that keeps things going. Everyone enjoys being affirmed and appreciated.
–Keep a gratitude journal. Don’t just write down the big or exceptional things that happen occasionally. Write down the little things you tend to take for granted. Having a roof over your head. A job. At least two meals a day. Ice cream sandwiches. A juicy hamburger. Shoes and socks. Valuing what you already have leads to inner peace and a life well-lived.
–We act our way into gratitude instead of thinking our way into being grateful. Acting grateful creates grateful feelings, not the other way around.
–Being grateful is an act of worship.
–Being grateful in tough times is an act of courage.
–Gratitude is contagious
–Make a habit of thanking store clerks, postal workers, the garbage collector, your neighbor sweeping their sidewalk. Let them know you appreciate what they do to improve the community and make life worth living.
–Each day, thank God for the gift of today.
–Expressing gratitude makes others feel valued. Expressing gratitude improves your sense of self.
–The worse things get, the more important practicing gratitude becomes. An attitude of gratitude affects our brains in positive ways that help us problem solve and be more creative
–Happiness doesn’t make us grateful. Gratitude that makes us happy.