An Attitude of Gratitude

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."
Epictetus

In a recent study, hundreds of people were divided up into three groups. Every group was assigned to begin writing a daily diary, but the subject matter each group was to write about was very different. The first group was simply to write about their daily events. The second group was to write about everything bad that happened to them throughout the day, and the third group wrote about all the things they were thankful for that day. After a short time, the study found those who wrote down what they were thankful for experienced much higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism, and energy with less depression and stress than the other groups of writers. Also, the group writing what they were thankful for was more likely to help others, exercise, and achieve personal goals. In addition, the study found gratitude triggers a reciprocal cycle of kindness—meaning one act of gratitude almost always encourages another. (http://www.acfnewsource.org/religion/gratitude_theory.html)

Based on this study and the reciprocal affect of kindness produced by gratitude, this Thanksgiving Thursday must mean more to us than simply being thankful and eating a large meal with family and friends. Thanksgiving this year must be about developing an attitude of gratitude!! This attitude of gratitude will better our life physically, emotionally, and mentally as well as touch and help the lives of others.

Developing an attitude of gratitude simply means being grateful and showing appreciation for others as often as possible. Showing thanks will allow us to build rapport and esteem with those we interact with on a daily basis and give credibility to us as a good friend, family member, and leader. Indeed, giving sincere thanks and appreciation often defines great leaders. Developing an attitude of gratitude this Thanksgiving—that we carry with us throughout the year—will help us build relationships and live a more satisfying life.

So, think of those who are influential in your life or who are always helping you, and find ways to show more appreciation towards them. Be grateful and full of thanks by expressing your gratitude freely. By doing this, your fire will burn. Be more than just being grateful this Thanksgiving! Determine now to develop a life-long commitment to having an attitude of gratitude!