“Saying thank you is more than good manners. It’s good spirituality.” ~ Alfred Painter
I’ve got issues. I can’t stop saying thank you. I do it all day long. Thank you for toothpaste. Thank you for a hot shower. Thank you for my dogs. Thank you for my soft bed. Thank you for sleep. See? I could go on for days. Because the more I say thank you, the more goodness flows my way.
I’m not the only one noticing that being grateful is not only a good thing, it’s good for you too. In the Gratitude Theory, two psychologists, Dr. Michael McCollough, of SMU in Dallas, Texas and Dr. Robert Emmons, of the University of California at Davis, say their scientific study verifies that the gratitude factor positively effects a person’s sense of well-being.
The grateful duo also noted that people practicing daily gratitude exercises reported higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism and energy.
What can you expect less of once you really begin flexing your gratitude muscles? Less depression and stress, freakish inclinations to “pay it forward”, random acts of kindness towards little old ladies and strangers asking for directions, an increased interest in things like physical fitness, heathier eating and progress toward personal goals.
Whoa! Look out. Those are definitely some serious side-effects of copping a gratitude. If you’re looking to increase health, wealth and abundance - try copping a gratitude.
Wanna learn more about the ABC’s of Gratitude? Check out gratefulness.org. Learn how animals and furry friends are gratitude guides, how to use gratitude to get clear of confusion and gain guidance, and how to increase your sense of belonging all through stretching your gratitude muscles.
Here’s 7 ways to cop a gratitude today:
- Say thank you for your breath as you transition from sleep to consciousness for 5 minutes before your feet hit the floor each day.
- Stop and really look at your food before you eat it. Notice the way it smells and think about all the people it took to get that food on your plate.
- Look into your pets eyes as you pet them. Show them you are grateful for their furry spirit and guidance they share.
- Connect with your family & friends. Be present and give them the gift of gratitude in the moment. Time is precious, we never know when it will be our last time to dance, play, sing, laugh, share a meal.
- Appreciate your sacred living space by keeping it clean. Be grateful you have a home and show some gratitude by keeping it tidy and clean.
- Bless your body. Tune-in while in the shower. Take a few deep breaths and exhale slowly, giving thanks for your health and vitality.
- Connect with spirit. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the fact that a power greater than you exists and is working through you, AS you each and everyday. Now that’s something to be grateful for!
What are you grateful for? How can you focus on being more grateful today?
Kammie K.
Posted on Oct 4th 06 by Kammie Kobyleski.
Kammie Kobyleski has been having coaching conversations all her life. After working in corporate communications, marketing, training & development, and higher education, Kammie made the shift into life & career coaching and consulting. Her life’s mission is helping people fall in love with life. The integration of mind, body, spirit and personal empowerment are Kammie’s passionate focus. http://www.passionmeetspurpose.com/blog
Other posts on Coachamatic by Kammie Kobyleski.
Hi Kammie…. I, for one, am grateful for your post and the reminder of the power of gratitude. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and to overlook the multitude of blessings in our lives each day.
For those who want to give “coping a gratitude” a try it can help (and be more fun) to find a buddy with whom to practice. Years ago, when my mother and I lived in different states, we emailed one another almost daily. I don’t recall how the practice got started but we got into the habit of listing several things we were grateful for at the end of each email. Writing out what I was grateful for, and reading the list of things she was grateful for, always lifted my spirits, made me smile, and set a tone for my days that made the occasional challenge much easier to deal with.
I am also very grateful for this wonderful site and all of the amazing bloggers and readers who contribute to it, and I am grateful to Andy for bringing it to life again, and to Sharon for all her hard work in coordinating its rebirth.
Lisa,
Glad you liked the article! Yes, having a partner to join in the gracious fun is the best. And ideal for really focusing on shifting from “I want” to “I AM”.
I keep a gratitude jurnal before I go to bed at night and it’s cool to get all the good stuff out before I hit the pillow. I feel like it opens up that channel for even more goodness to flow the next day.
And I agree, Andy is genius for rejuvinating this blog. How great of a resource is this? Put’s my lil ol’ resources page to shame!!
Kam:)
I have to say, that I could not agree with you in 100% regarding rt my Gratitude Problem at Coachamatic, but it’s just my opinion, which could be wrong