Gratitude

“Everyone enjoys being acknowledged and appreciated. Sometimes even the simplest act of gratitude can change someone’s entire day. Take the time to recognize and value the people around you and appreciate those who make a difference in your lives.” 

Roy T. Bennett

I once worked with a client and attended his virtual visit with a psychiatrist.  The client was quite depressed at the time and the Psychiatrist suggested that each evening, they write down three things that they were grateful for.  Initially the client found this difficult, however, persevered.  They now have a much more positive outlook on life, which has been helpful, even though the depressive symptoms are quite constant.

Many books have been written on the benefits of gratitude and how life changing this can be.  Hugh Van Cuylenburg founded “The Resilience Project – finding happiness through gratitude empathy and mindfulness”.  This was a best seller and has been implemented at many schools.

I attended some mindfulness training last year by Head and Heart Mindfulness.  Their whole program is based on mindfulness, gratitude and heartfulness.  I am currently trialling out their 30 day workbook and am really enjoying the opportunity of taking the time to notice what I am grateful for on a daily basis.

I know for me; gratitude has assisted in my own personal wellbeing.  This was especially important when going though treatment for breast cancer.  Being grateful and celebrating all that I was grateful for aided in keeping my mind on a more positive path and aided recovery.  Yes, there were moments of despair, however I chose to concentrate on what was working and that kept me spirits up. 

Thinking back to 2015 when attending the Northern Mallee Leaders program.  One of the group’s project was to introduce “Random acts of kindness” to a school group.  The joy that this made on both the giver and the receiver was amazing and transformed both people.

Finding gratitude in daily events may be difficult at first, but like my client, it can happen.  Initially they utilised family and friends as the source.  As they went on in time, it began to become easier.  They find gratitude in lots of aspects of their life.  From food, to being able to complete tasks, the weather and little things that happened to them.

Finding what you are grateful for is a simple task.  Start answering a question daily to explore what you are grateful for.  Some suggestions to begin.

• What piece of clothing are you most grateful for and why?
• Which day of the week are you grateful for?
• What activity are you grateful for and why?
• Who has inspired you and why are you grateful for their input?