Gratitude

Gratitude is to reflect on the good in our lives and to be thankful.

Often in life there are situations or events that cause negative emotions such as frustration, anger, disappointment, loneliness, sadness or regret. Gratitude is helpful in these moments because it opens the door to the experience of positive emotions. Gratitude is not simply a strategy to avoid, neglect or suppress the negative emotions you may be experiencing. This would be extremely unhealthy. Instead, gratitude is helpful in developing a healthier, more resilient and well-balanced perspective of a particular situation or of your life in general. Gratitude allows you the opportunity to reflect on the good, to be thankful and to feel grateful. This will help to manage the negative emotional states you may be stuck in.

Let’s look at an example of gratitude through the story of Sarah.

Sarah has been in a relationship with Jake, her boyfriend, for 6 years. The relationship started when she was 18 and she is now 24 years of age. She recently just found out that Jake cheated on her and as a result the relationship has ended. Sarah feels betrayed, hurt, offended, disappointed, upset and a range of other negative emotions. This is an extremely difficult time and one that is emotionally traumatic for Sarah. Gratitude is not going to take away all the pain of what has happened, but it can offer a perspective that can help ease the pain and provide a positive emotional experience. Let’s reflect on 3 good aspects of Sarah’s situation. Firstly, Sarah will not waste any more time on furthering a relationship with Jake, who has proven himself to be untrustworthy and not suitable as a potential marriage partner. Secondly, Sarah has actually found out Jake has cheated. Many people do not find out their partner has cheated until much later, if they find out at all. Thirdly, Sarah can learn from this experience and become a wiser and more mature person. When reflecting on these 3 points you could see how there is the potential now for Sarah to feel grateful and overall happier and more hopeful about her future.

Gratitude is not just something to use in a difficult situation like we saw in the example of Sarah. Gratitude is helpful in any situation or circumstance of life. Gratitude is a learnt skill that can be practiced daily. Gratitude is learning to be content and see the good in every situation.

Other more simple examples of gratitude could be:

  • I could spend time in the sun today.
  • My son kicked 2 goals in his football game today.
  • My family is healthy and I can spend quality time with them.
  • Having a relaxing bath.
  • A good relationship with my brother.

What are you thankful for today?