The Power of Gratitude
Grat-i-tude: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
The Benefits of Expressing Gratitude
- Enhanced empathy
- Stronger relationships
- More optimism
- Improved overall well-being
- More mindful
- Better sleep
- Less stress
The Evolution of Gratitude
- Research shows that primates- and many other species- often help each other with the expectation that the gesture will be reciprocated,
- Our earliest ancestors practiced gratitude, realizing that cooperation was essential for survival.
- Gratitude also plays a significant part in many religious traditions, reinforcing thankfulness and dependence on higher powers.
Taking the time to share your gratitude with others takes a moment, but the impact may be long lasting. Here are some ways to get started.
- Write and send a complimentary personal note to someone.
- Share your appreciation about someone with others.
- Thank people regularly.
- Pay it forward after receiving a kind gesture.
- Leave positive reviews.
- Tip extra for great service.
- Take time to fully listen to someone without interrupting.
- Send someone a meaningful photo of a shared experience.
- Surprise someone by taking care of a chore they normally do.
- Fix a lingering problem.
- Connect like-minded people.
- Attend an event with a family member or friend.
- Commit to taking a deep breath and silently offer someone grace before a problem accelerates.
I am grateful for your ongoing friendship and support. If there is anything I can help you with, just let me know. I can also refer you to a trusted professional in my network. And oh, by the way, I’m never too busy for any of your referrals!
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Sources 1. psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201504/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-of-gratitude 2. ggsc.berkley.edu/images/uploads/GGSC-JTF_White_Paper-Gratitude-FINAL.pdf
