Live Life with an Attitude of Gratitude

The month of November is Gratitude Month, aligning with the Thanksgiving holiday. Pilgrim Fathers saw the day of Thanksgiving as a time of reflective thinking about their past year. Many of us experience both expected and unexpected challenging situations throughout the year and require careful decision-making to move into the future. An “Attitude of Gratitude” can help us change our perception of our overall life.

Gratitude may not be easy for some, while others see the daily world through rose-colored glasses. Robert Emmons, Ph.D., is a leading scientific expert on gratitude and the founding editor-in-chief of The Journal of Positive Psychology. Emmons’ May 2013 article on facing challenges wrote, “My response is that not only will a grateful attitude help – it is essential. It is precisely under crisis conditions that we have the most to gain from a grateful perspective on life. In the face of demoralization, gratitude has the power to energize. In the face of brokenness, gratitude has the power to heal. In the face of despair, gratitude has the power to bring hope. In other words, gratitude can help us cope with hard times.”

So, what are some ways one can show an Attitude of Gratitude? Authors and people alike have expressed ways to have this attitude. Here are my favorite top 10.

1. Stop comparing yourself to others. Doing this creates envy and jealousy that leads to a lack of happiness.
2. Look for a chance to give back. Volunteering for an organization or a kind act of Paying it Forward enriches life for both the receiver and the doer.
3. Keep a Daily Gratitude Journal by jotting down your grateful events of the day. When feeling down, go back and relive joy in your heart from the feelings of your many gratitude.
4. Say thank you out loud. Create an environment of positivity by saying these two words aloud to your friends, family and co-workers.
5. Create a Gratitude Bulletin Board. A decorated board is a creative way to decorate a home with a unique and personal visual reminder of all the terrific things in your life.
6. Give a Day Gift. I work with an employee who loves to give what she calls Day Gifts; a little something special given on an ordinary day as a surprise thank you.
7. Enjoy Daily Affirmations. Create positive sayings on note cards. You can even write them in a mirror. Review daily for reflection. Reflections should be simple such as, “I am grateful for the love and support in my life.”
8. Practice Deep Breathing. Take a moment to clear your mind from the busy-ness of your world. Stop and focus on the state of gratitude.
9. Write thank-you notes. I love getting cards in the mail. Put a cute little thank you card in the mail. Remind someone else that they are loved and appreciated by you.
10. Give thanks to the Lord. A simple daily prayer, morning or night giving thanks, is a gentle reminder of His love for you.

What is on your gratitude list? Is it family, friends, pets, good health, a successful career or simply waking up to start a new day? The daily practice of an Attitude of Gratitude can be life-changing. Start living your best grateful life today. QCBN

By Yvonne Napolitano

Yvonne Napolitano, MHA, CTRS, is the executive director of Adult Care Services, The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center and The Margaret T. Morris Center. 844 Sunset Avenue Prescott, AZ 86305

Main Number: 928-771-2335

Fax 928-778-6006

www.AdultCareServices.org