Gratitude is so important.
Sharing the power of gratitude is a message that I’ve shared with many individuals and groups: expressing thankfulness to others is essential for positive emotional health and building stronger relationships. I’ve seen people go from focusing on the negative, dealing with stress, and worry–to transforming their overall outlook and mental health by identifying “three good things” in their lives every day and expressing gratitude for others.
Three good things wasn’t my idea. It was something that I picked up from Dr. Martin Seligman (who is known as the father of positive psychology). He writes about how looking back at three good things can create new pathways in our brain that allow us to see more beauty in life around us.
While this is clear in the realm of positive psychology, it is also profound from a spiritual sense. A core Christian concept is centered around thanksgiving. We are encouraged to give thanks for everything. This understanding does not indicate that we will be thankful for everything that happens in our lives, but that even in difficult times, we can look for the good. When we observe the good, the natural response is to express gratitude.
As a father, this becomes ever clearer. Watching my children take their first steps, search for caterpillars, play in the rain, and jump in puddles has expanded the things that I am thankful for immeasurably. It allows me a moment to pause, reflect on the good things in my life, and verbally say, “Thank you.”
So, how can someone shift their perspective from negative to positive? Is it overnight? Well, the answer will surprise you…no. Well, sort of. The change does begin overnight, but it will take time to develop the habit of looking for the good. What we can do today is simple:
- Write someone a thank you note or text them how much they mean to you.
- Think of something someone has done for you and write them letter, expressing what they did and how it positively impacted your life. Be sure to give it to them!
- Write in a journal about three good things that happened to you in your day. Be sure to reflect on why those things were good and your role in bringing them about.
- Meditate and pray. As you breathe in, consider the goodness of God, family, and those that we love.
We can cultivate gratitude to make a positive shift in our lives. I did a talk once at a health conference on well-being and how our attitudes can impact our healing. After the session, a woman expressed how much she appreciated the presentation. She also shared that she had been through multiple bouts with cancer. As she began to tell her story, she said something that stuck with me. She attributed her ability to be alive today (and in remission) to maintaining a heart of thankfulness.
For this wonderful soul and many others, gratitude has not only been a way to improve mental and emotional health, but it has become a way of life. Suppose you’re looking for something that can radically transform your outlook, try one of the above ideas, or start right where you are. Gratitude expressed is like a gift that keeps on giving.
Thanks for reading!
-Dr. D 🙂