The Benefits of Gratitude
Ivy Griffin
Do you struggle to find fulfillment in your life? Do you find it hard to recognize the positive amidst chaos and uncertainty? Sometimes we feel as though we must constantly search for what’s missing in our lives, but what if what’s missing is gratitude?
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can sound annoying or overly-simplistic until we stop to examine what this really means. Gratitude is not merely reciting that we’re thankful for the roof over our heads but really identifying the gifts that moments, people, and things bring to our lives. For example: As we watch the rain outside, thinking of how grateful we are for the warmth, safety, and stability of our shelter.
Gratitude has additional benefits as well:
It can bring a sense of richness to our lives. Noticing the little details of life can bring into focus the things that matter most to us. We may start to notice beauty where there was none before.
When we express gratitude to others for certain qualities they possess, what they do, or just for their presence in our lives, it enhances our relationships.
Expressing gratitude to ourselves--for taking care of the necessities so we can free up more time for the things we enjoy, speaking up for ourselves, deciding to reserve most of our energy for what lifts us up--can enhance our sense of self-efficacy and self-esteem.
Gratitude can also be deeply affirming. When we are grateful for a moment, we are in some way acknowledging every moment leading up to it, giving all the moments of our lives meaning and significance.
Finally, gratitude can be deeply healing. If we have internalized messages that we are not good enough and that the world around us is cruel and inhospitable, making a conscious effort to be grateful can forge new pathways in our brains that increase our resiliency and life satisfaction.
AMFT #99821
Supervised by Ivy Griffin, LMFT #51714
thrivetherapists@gmail.com
916-287-3430