Gratitude

It is that time of year when the Christmas rush has begun, and the party season is in full swing. Funnily enough it got me thinking about what I am grateful for. Perhaps as the end of 2011 nears, I am starting to reflect on the year that I have had; a rather rollercoaster of a year, but one that, nonetheless, has left me feeling quite pleased with what I have achieved.

Being grateful is part of that reflection process for me. The Positive Psychology movement (established by Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi) uses gratitude as a tool to develop resilience: it is a coping mechanism in times of stress, despair and challenge. I also believe gratitude enhances our lives when things are going well, which is something we often forget to do when life is good. According to The Secret, by focusing on what you already have and being grateful for it, you will attract more of the same (the Law of Attraction).

So, what are you grateful for? Have you ever made a list? It can be the smallest things, such as being able to breathe. Or perhaps you’re grateful for owning certain objects, such as your car or your house. Maybe you’re grateful for the love from your family and the support around you. 

Even if you think you have nothing to be grateful for – in those gloomy moments when you think “what is the point?” – even then, you can find something to be grateful for. You just have to go back to basics and start with “I am grateful for being alive”. 

What this exercise has done for me is to help me realise that I have an incredible life. If I list the things I am grateful for, I see on paper, rather than cluttered and disorganised in my head, how wonderful my life really is. Yes, there are still ‘down’ moments, but what helps me to get through the tough times is to think about what is good about my life. It shifts my perspective and lifts my mood. 

I challenge you to write three things down that you’re grateful for, ideally daily. Even if it’s being grateful for the sun shining, or your favourite TV show was on. If you find that it is the same things each day, that’s OK, just keep at it. Do it for at least a month, preferably longer. At the start of the month, write down how you’re feeling and do the same afterwards. Is there a shift? Are things a bit brighter? I would love to know what things in your life are going better for you after doing this exercise. Feel free to let me know in the comments section. 

I wonder what you will be telling me about in a month’s time?