Gratitude isn’t somthing we learn about in school, we aren’t formally taught about this emotion or attitude as a virtue or a habit. And definitely not how to cultivate it!
Oftentimes, we rise in the morning, especially on Monday, and just groan because it’s Monday, or it’s early, or cold and then we just go go go! Whatever we do, we forget what a privilege it is to see another day.
Gratitude isn’t somthing we learn about in school, we aren’t formally taught about this emotion or attitude as a virtue or a habit. And definitely not how to cultivate it!
Gratitude is considered the mother of all positive qualities: All the other qualities we desire come out of first having gratitude. It insists on shifting our perspective by encouraging us to focus more on achieving an outcome while enjoying the journey.
Gratitude breeds humility, and empathy as well as an appreciation for the connectedness of everything. It is a cornerstone of our self-talk and personal morals.
Here are a few benefits of gratitude:
1. Opens the door to more and better relationships
2. Improves physical health
3. Improves psychological health
4. Enhances empathy and reduces aggression
5. Improves sleep
6. Improves self-esteem
7. Increases mental strength
Why would we not strengthen this muscle?! But first, let’s start small.
Beginning each day doesn’t necessarily have to start with creating a gratitude list, a simple appreciation for being alive is all the perspective required to shift the days focus!
Applying gratitude to places where it is easier to accept (waking up) enables the gratitude muscle to be developed. Over time, we can then begin to apply an attitude of gratitude in more trying times.
Smile, you woke up today 🙂