THE POWER OF GRATITUDE: EMBRACING THANKFULNESS
By Shelley Whizin
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.”- Willie Nelson
As November rolls around, the air becomes crisp, and the aroma of roasted turkey fills our homes. It’s a time when families and friends gather, and we reflect on the blessings in our lives. When we are in a state of gratitude, it feels good, whether receiving or giving. Thanksgiving is not just about indulging in delicious food; it’s also an opportunity to cultivate gratitude. In this article, we will explore the power of gratitude and how it can transform our lives.
ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Transformational life coach Shelley Whizin talks about the science and power of gratitude. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Acast.
1. The Science of Gratitude: Research has shown that practicing gratitude can have a profound impact on our well-being.
Expressing gratitude activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and promoting positive emotions. Grateful individuals tend to have lower levels of stress, improved sleep quality, and stronger relationships. And guess what?
Gratitude is FREE! That’s right, FREE! Gratitude doesn’t cost a dime!
- Cultivate Gratitude by focusing on the small things. You can start with your body parts. Take your hands, for example. Your hands do everything from opening up doors to cooking to brushing your teeth to helping others cross the road, to gardening, to, well, everything! Thank your hands for giving and receiving. Be grateful you have hands.
- Start a gratitude journal: Take a few minutes each day to write down three things you are grateful for. Practice mindfulness: Be present in the moment and appreciate the little things in life. Express gratitude to others: Show appreciation to your loved ones and those who have made a positive impact on your life.
- Reminisce the sweet blessings you have received. Remember the grateful moments you experienced. What about a day you laughed your head off with someone and your heart felt full? Let those memories fill you with joy and gratitude, all over again.
- Gratitude and Mental Health: Gratitude can help combat negative emotions such as envy, resentment, and bitterness. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a sense of contentment and satisfaction. Regularly practicing gratitude can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Gratitude in Relationships: Expressing gratitude towards our partners, friends, and family members strengthens our connections. It fosters a sense of appreciation and encourages reciprocity. Gratitude acts as a buffer during conflicts, promoting forgiveness and understanding.
In this month of November, let’s embrace the power of gratitude. By cultivating a thankful mindset, we can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. Whether it’s through a gratitude journal, mindfulness practice, or expressing appreciation to others, let’s make gratitude a daily habit. As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, let’s not only savor the delicious food but also celebrate the blessings in our lives. Remember, gratitude and love are FREE, so let’s enjoy all the emotions we feel from the power of gratitude.
Shelley Whizin is a transformational life coach and the founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Institute™ (SDI), established to study and teach the art and science of Being Human. She’s also the author of “The Healing Journal”, “The Story of the Magical Baby Grand Piano”, and “What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life”. More at www.ShelleyWhizin.com
