What do you wish for most in life? Most people will have a variation of the following answer: “I wish for happiness.” Even Aristotle said every man and woman is in pursuit of happiness.
But what if I tell you happiness is an illusion and pursuing happiness most often leads to perceptions of nightmares?
What if the elusive happiness can be found in a simple act like thanksgiving and gratitude?
Gratitude is a celebration, affirmation, and recognition of the good in life. It doesn’t mean ignoring the negative aspects of life; it’s about acknowledging the blessings you’re receiving.
These blessings are to be found in both the positive and the negative experiences in life, since the positive experiences make us rest in our growth and the negative experiences make us grow out of our rest. Gratitude is available to everyone, everywhere, any time.
Why does it work?
Gratitude amplifies, rescues, and connects, according to Robert A. Emmons, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of California (The Psychology of Gratitude, PPI conference in 2016).
The benefits of an attitude of gratitude include:
· Gratefulness increases emotional well-being.
· Grateful people achieve more.
· Grateful people get along better with others.
· Grateful people pay it forward.
· Grateful people are less depressed.
· Grateful people are more resilient to trauma.
Gratitude is good medicine. For those who exhibited gratitude, the following have been observed:
· There is a reduction in perceived stress (28 percent) and depression (16 percent) in health care practitioners.
· Levels of stress hormones, namely cortisol, are 23 percent lower.
· Reduced feelings of hopelessness were noted in 88 percent of suicidal inpatients.
· Grateful people have 15 to 18 percent more efficient sleep.
· Improved inflammatory biomarkers were noted in heart failure patients.
· Risk of depression fell by 41 percent over a six-month period.
· Dietary fat intake reduced by 25 percent.
· Arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome patients demonstrated 15 percent lower depression.
· Physical exercise increased 25 to 33 percent.
Gratitude rescues us from anxiety, depression, helplessness, and hopelessness.
What are you grateful today?