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Gratitude

Gratitude



Photo by Lip on Unsplash 


Gratitude: noun
  1. the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
    "she expressed her gratitude to the committee for their support"




Gratitude can increase your joie de vivre. Gratitude is the simple process of being thankful for what you have. An attitude of gratitude can steer you away from what's negative and towards what is positive.. “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” (Cicero). For some reason gratitude is transformational, it effects the neurotransmitters in the brain to release chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin to increase, and thereby changes us to a more positive outlook. 

The simple activity of counting your blessings can influence many aspects of life including: 
  • Physical Health
  • Mental health
  • Positive emotions
  • Improved quality of relationships
  • Improved quality of friendships
  • Improved employee satisfaction

35 scientific Benefits of gratitude. https://research.com/education/scientific-benefits-of-gratitude#:~:text=Gratitude%20contributes%20to%20happiness.,other%20positive%20aspects%20of%20life  (Accessed 24/03/2023)   


Gratitude Quotes

“The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.” —William James

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” —Henri Frederic Amiel

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Being thankful is not always experienced as a natural state of existence, we must work at it, akin to a type of strength training for the heart.” —Larissa Gomez

“Opening your eyes to more of the world around you can deeply enhance your gratitude practice.” —Derrick Carpenter

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” —Oprah Winfrey

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” —Robert Brault

“If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.” —Rabbi Harold Kushner

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” —Meister Eckhart

“When eating fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.” —Vietnamese Proverb

“Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” —Charles Dickens

“Make it a habit to tell people, ‘thank you.’ To express your appreciation sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it.” —Ralph Marston


Practicing Gratitude

  • Gratitude Journal (Writing down 5-10 things a day that you are grateful for). 
  • Gratitude jar (placing scraps of paper with your thank-you's on them in a jar & looking back on them on Christmas or New-Years)
  • Gratitude apps (special apps such as https://www.happyfeed.co/ for recording what you are grateful for). There are many others for you too look at and try what suits. 
  • Thank you notes. (Writing or emailing your thanks to the people in your life). 
  • Meditate (focus your practice on things you are grateful for)
  • Give thanks at the dinner table
  • Telephone someone to thank them
  • Thank your partner for something every-day
  • Praise your children for doing well. 
  • Give gifts of appreciation
  • Noticing gratitude (Take photos of the things you're grateful for)
  • Thinking gratitude. (think about things you are grateful for). 
  • Praying with gratitude. 



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