Gratitude is Not Just for Thanksgiving

Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation for what brings us joy, inspiration, meaning, and purpose. Feelings of appreciation can arise from a wide range of sources. For example, it may come from receiving a tangible gift, from someone expressing kindness towards us, hearing words of encouragement, or noticing everyday things in our life such as our friends and family, our health, or that warm welcome from a beloved pet. The list is endless.

Gratitude helps us thrive because it’s a gateway to other positive emotions such as joy, empathy, kindness, optimism, and happiness. The benefits also flow not just to us but to others. And it is highly contagious! For example, being the recipient of an expression of gratitude prompts a feeling of gratitude inside of us. And expressing gratitude to another often prompts that person to also express their appreciation to us. This prompts an upward spiral of positive behavior that spreads from one person to another.

Living from a place of gratitude also helps individuals, groups, and organizations manage their attention, make wiser decisions, and create more supportive relationships. It’s also been linked to many mental and physical benefits. Through gratitude, people find satisfaction in life, stronger relationships, and discover that they’re more resilient in times of difficulty.

The good news is that you can learn to live in a place of gratitude. While it may seem odd to think of experiencing and expressing gratitude as a skill, you can build feelings of gratitude with practice.

Three Blessings

We human beings like things in threes. One or two isn’t enough and four is too many -- three seems just right. There are many theories about why we gravitate toward lists of three things, even superstitions about things happening in threes. The truth is nobody truly understands why we like threes so much.

For example, people have been practicing something called the “Three Blessings” for thousands of years. This practice involves finding three things you’re grateful for. It’s a simple and powerful practice that can be added to your daily routine…without adding anything else to your to-do list. Some people even focus on three things they’re grateful for when facing a challenge or needing a boost.

Many people also find that keeping a small notebook to jot down their gratitude list quickly is a source of great joy. The added benefit of writing it down is that you can quickly refer to your lists anytime you need a little boost of positivity. By keeping your notebook in a handy location, you can count your blessings anytime you have a few moments. Many people also find that keeping notes on their phones is a convenient way to have their blessings at their fingertips.

Why not give it a try?
What are three things you are grateful for right now?