Gratitude (There's Even a Dance!)

Gratitude has a way of bringing out the best in every situation & every person. Regularly practicing gratitude has the power to lift our mood. Even better, when gratitude is shared, the power can brighten & enrich not only our lives, but the lives of many others.

"...the more you become a connoisseur of gratitude, the less you are a victim of resentment, depression and despair. - Sam Keen


Think you're pretty grateful? To get an idea of how you compare, take the 6 question Gratitude Survey (you'll have to create an account, but it's free) on the University of Pennsylvania's Authentic Happiness website. While you're there, try out some of the other Authentic Happiness surveys, it's a wonderful site on positive psychology! But don't forget to come back...there's a great video to watch!


If you scored high, terrific! Now share your sense of gratitude with others. Score lower than average? Never fear, gratitude is a learned behavior. And, it's worth learning!

There are some wonderful side effects of being more grateful:

1. Your spirits rise
2. Your relationships deepen
3. People are more attracted to you
4. You begin to look for the best in others
5. You begin to see the best in yourself

Here are a few gratitude enhancing exercises you might enjoy. Try the one or two that feel right to you. If something doesn't fit, skip it. If none fit, I challenge you to find your own gratitude ritual or exercise.

1. Start a gratitude list - add to it each day. Post it on your refrigerator or some other conspicuous place where you'll see it often.
   
2. Every day make a point to express your gratitude verbally to at least 1 person. Weekly, find someone who has impacted your life & write them a letter or e-mail expressing your gratitude formally.
3. Spend time daily in prayer of thanks only, listing 3-5 things for which you are grateful & why.
4. Do the Gratitude Dance - See Below & I dare you not to smile!

If you're having trouble coming up with your gratitude lists, take heart. We've all been there at one time or another - overwhelmed by the struggles of life. Spend time with those you love &/or in nature & incorporate some restorative activities into your day. Give yourself a break from looking for the big things & find the little things (something as simple as the power to sit back & read this article on your computer). Baby steps towards gratitude in tough times can boost your spirits enough to get you through.

Now, practicing what I preach, here are just a few items on my gratitude list today:

1. I'm grateful for my new relationship with the online magazine, stressclub.com. Check out my article (Mastering the Munchie Monster) on their website! Wow! While you're there, click on the Express Your Stress to see the great stress dude shirts.
   
2. I'm grateful for my friends & family (you're probably reading this...your support is immensely appreciated) because they bring joy & depth to my life.
3. I'm grateful for all the trials in my life, because they make me who I am supposed to be.

Your turn!

Kim