There is power in gratitude– in saying “Thank you” and truly feeling grateful. Even scientific studies have shown gratitude is so powerful that it balances us and gives us hope.
Those studies show that gratitude, a positive, appreciative attitude, contributes to greater success in work, greater health, peak performance in sports and business, a higher sense of well-being, and a faster rate of recovery from surgery. Whew! Who knew that so much goodness was contained in the simple practice of saying, “Thank you”?
Do you use gratitude as a tool that moves you toward happiness and peace?
For gratitude to meet its full healing potential in our lives, we have to learn a new way of looking at things. We need to make gratitude a habit. And that can take some time. That’s why practicing gratitude makes so much sense. When we practice giving thanks to God for all we have, instead of complaining about what we lack, we give ourselves the chance to see all of life as an opportunity and a blessing. We become less focused on our problem and more focused on the Provider and His loving provision.
Some Ways to Practice the Power of Gratitude
- Keep a gratitude journal in which you list things for which you are thankful; it will remind you to think in a grateful way.
- Practice gratitude around the dinner table or make it part of your bedtime routine.
- Make it a personal challenge to search for the overlooked blessing when you’re in a challenging situation.
- When you feel like complaining, make a gratitude list instead. You may be amazed by how much better you feel.
So, what do you do to ensure that you are continually on the lookout for something good and being thankful for it?