An Attitude of Gratitude

2020 has been and continues to be quite the year. Life has been like a rollercoaster. There are lots of ups and downs and twists and turns. I am a glass half full type of person, but I have to say that this year has definitely put me to the test. 

One thing that helps me get back on track when I am not feeling so positive is gratitude. Gratitude helps remind me that there is always something good out there. Harvard Health reports that, “In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.” Gratitude has been shown to help people connect to their positive emotions, deal with adversity, build strong relationships, and deal with challenging experiences. Sounds perfect right about now, huh? ;)

You can choose literally anything to be grateful about. It doesn’t have to be anything big. Gratitude helps you to appreciate what you have rather than focus on what you don’t have. Gratitude also helps you to express more compassion and kindness. One day a few years ago I was driving in the car. My husband and I had just taken on a huge and unexpected expense and we weren't sure how we were going to pay the bills over the next few months. It was pouring outside and I was feeling overwhelmed and panicked. I drove past a group of people living under a bridge. I found myself thinking that I have not known the kind of suffering they deal with everyday. I don’t know what it is like to not know where my next meal is coming from or to not have a roof over my head. I reminded myself in that moment to truly be thankful for what I did have because not everyone is as lucky as I am. Being able to feel gratitude in that moment reminded me that happiness is not something out there to strive for. If you really pay attention you will see it’s already here.