Gratitude

In a Harvard Health Publishing newsletter, gratitude was explained as such;

The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context). In some ways gratitude encompasses all of these meanings. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, gratitude also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.

In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

When we are consumed with painful feelings it can be difficult to remember the good things that have happened to us and are happening around us. We can get so caught up in the negative, that we can forget all the little moments of positivity. I know that this is true of me. At times I feel saddened and uncertain. I get angry and frustrated. I experience disillusionment and heartache. There have been times during 2019 when I have thought most people are awful and the world just plain sucks. I still have those thoughts. It can be difficult to see the light through the darkness sometimes.

I am not really one for News Year's resolutions. It just happens to be the same time that the New Year is approaching that I have decided to keep a gratitude journal. I want to engage in the intentional practice of gratitude. I am a very kinetic person. The act of writing something down helps me to process and remember. If I take the time each day (let’s see how ‘daily’ this becomes) to write down what I am grateful for it, can help to rebuild the happy connections in my brain. Gratefulness rewires our brain for joy. And that is from legit psychological research from people with letters after their names. Making regular times to focus on something/someone to be grateful for, helps the light to get a little brighter.

It seemed super cheesy to me when people mentioned gratitude journals. They seemed to me to be the tools of people who lived cocooned from reality and detached from the suffering of others. I refer to them as the Bubble People. Using positivity and joy to silence people who challenge them on hard things. But I must remind my somewhat jaded mind that whatever people may choose to do or not do, that doesn’t stop good and useful practices from being good and useful practices. I cannot keep letting my cynicism of others rob me of my own healing and wholeness. I remind myself that it is possible to be about my own journey towards wholeness without turning into a Bubble Girl. I can practice gratitude while still rocking a couple of boats now and then and killing a sacred cow here and there.

Reformers and activists can be happy too.

We live in tension. People are not perfect. The world is not perfect. Very non perfect things happen all the time. And yet there is still much to be thankful for. There are glimmers of beauty all around us. Good is still happening. There are many good people in the world doing good things. It helps to take a breath and see with hopeful eyes again.

And so on that note:

I am thankful that when I woke up this morning, I woke up.

I am thankful that I have access to clean water.

I am thankful that I have food to eat.

I am thankful for my own car.

I am thankful to have my job.

I am thankful that I have access to reliable electricity.

I am thankful that I don’t live in a war zone.

I am thankful for both the sunshine and the rain.

I am thankful that I live a short drive from the ocean and many beautiful beaches.

I am thankful for my health.

I am thankful that I have the eyes to see all the beauty that is around me.

I am thankful that I have ears to hear music and laughter.

I am thankful for my family.

I am thankful for a good cup of tea and summer morning sunshine.

I am thankful for a good book to read.

I am thankful that as long as I have breath, there are always opportunities to begin again.