An Attitude of Gratitude

November 2020

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, and confusion to clarity.”  — Melody Beattie

Have you met the type of person that no matter what goes on in life, they exude kindness and love; happiness is their go-to setting and worry seems non-existent? What is it that allows them to be so different… even in difficult times? Once in a while, we just want to “feel our bad” on a bad day. But guess what? These people also feel bad on bad days, they just have a different perspective that carries them through life most of the time. It’s called an attitude of gratitude—a mindful awareness of the benefits of life—and we can all practice this. Even when it feels nothing is right, we have much to be thankful for. Grateful people tend to be more empathetic and forgiving of others, worry less, and have the ability to look past the multitude of things that can wear us down. They find greater meaning in the everyday and the big picture alike. Studies published in Forbes magazine say that expressions of gratitude can actually raise our happiness quotient by 25%, so why not give it a try!

There’s actually a science behind recognizing the negatives called negative bias. Our brains are hardwired to do this so we must purposefully recognize and appreciate what we have instead of what we don’t. It’s easier to see the bad instead of the good. Because life is constantly in a state of change, our happiness cannot depend on our circumstances. Reality check: do you have a focus on appreciating or do you allow your circumstances to dictate you?

As we move into November, many of us already have an increased awareness of how full life already is. While we prepare to gather around Thanksgiving tables, talk to friends and relatives from afar, or even heat our bowl of soup from a can in the microwave to celebrate alone, we have a tendency to seize blessings and hold them closer at this time of year. We are more mindful of the beauty around us. We appreciate smells and the rituals that create them. We find comfort in the sound of football on TV or the quiet stillness of dawn or a tranquil night after a full day. We bask in the sound of rustling leaves and the awe of such colorful splendor and enliven to the chilled air kissing our skin. We savor life as it busies and slows down at the same time. Anxiety slips away if we let it. “As you pass through your day, look for opportunities to see the good in the world, in nature, and in life. This will place your mind in a healthy posture of gratitude” (Max Lucado).  This practice should not be confined to the season alone, but can serve as a renewal of gratitude in every season of life.

So this season, consider contentment by wanting what’s already there, and appreciating the many blessings that life holds for us each day. A grateful heart will see each day as a gift. As we navigate this pandemic and hold space for loved ones, the families we serve, and ourselves, it is with a grateful heart that we are able to appreciate so much.

Be Well …

Arkansas Hospice Employee Wellness Council (EWC) Keeping you Well – Mind, Body, & Spirit

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