Gratitude is beneficial to both the one giving and the
one receiving. You can show gratitude to others by saying “please and thank
you,” “yes Ma’am/ Sir and no Ma’am/ Sir.”
There are many creative ways to express gratitude. It
can be as simple as getting up in the morning and acknowledging that you woke
up – not everyone has that privilege!
Instead of getting mad at your significant other, show
them gratitude. Make an effort to communicate more effectively instead of being
critical or judgmental.
When you are having a hard day at work, take a break
and remember some of the good days that you’ve had that month – don’t forget
that it is only a bad day, not a bad life.
Research shows that individuals that express gratitude have:
a.
A more positive outlook on life
b.
Are physically healthier – tougher immune
system – lower blood pressure
c.
Less stressed
d.
More likely to forgive others
e.
Less lonely and more connected with others
f.
Happier
g.
Better sleep patterns
h.
More refreshed
i.
Have stronger relationships
Instead of using a gratitude journal, I started using a
Gratitude jar. Having a gratitude jar reminds us of the feeling we felt when we
were “in the moment.” It allows us to be more mindful and present.
Gratitude
Jar
Find a jar: a mason jar, a decorative vase, a fish
bowl, etc. and start recording all of your happy memories and events throughout
the year. Keep some decorative paper close so that you can jot these memories
down and place them in the jar. When you
are having a bad day, you can reach into your gratitude jar and remember all of
the good times that you have had throughout the year.
Studies show that individuals who show gratitude feel
happier and were more determined to achieve their life goals.
·
Be creative when writing down what you are
grateful for.
·
Be specific when you reflect back on your
memory so that you won’t forget any important details.
·
If possible, be personal and include names
when writing down your entry.
·
Include blessings: spirituality, parents,
kids, spouse, etc.
·
Don’t forget life’s surprises: unexpected
events, awards, visitors, etc.
Here are a few of my entries for 2013. I chose one from
each month to share with you. J
January: Thankful for my husband. Our anniversary is
January 1st so he is the first person I think of when celebrating
the New Year.
February:
This year we celebrated Valentine’s Day at the Vue restaurant in Grayton Beach.
It was absolutely beautiful. My husband Perry surprised me and my little girl
with a dozen roses, balloons, candies, and presents. I am very grateful for
having such a giving husband. He sure makes us feel special!
March:
We had a wonderful time at Disney World for a week. We stayed at one of our
Time Shares and enjoyed the Parks and Arabian Nights. I am very grateful for having
such a wonderful family and being able to take mini vacations throughout the
year.
April:
My daughter’s 9th birthday! We rented Brava Salon for a few hours
where my daughter and ten of her closest friends got to have their hair, make-up,
toes, and nails done. Then we had Nonie’s Ark come with all of her animals.
After the party was over, we went to Marina Café for dinner. Afterwards, we
went home and opened presents – my daughter started crying when she opened her
new Android Smart Phone. What a memory this day was! It warms my heart to see
my daughter’s grateful heart.
May: On
Mother’s Day we went to Seaside for an Art Festival. My daughter played on the
paddle skateboards and walked around the shops. Afterwards, we ate dinner at A
Fish out of Water. What a beautiful day; feeling very loved.
June:
Schools out; my favorite time of year. No more homework or studying for tests!
We can stay up late, watch movies, picnics at the beach, swim at the pool, and
have slumber parties in the living room. I feel very grateful that we are such
a close family.
July: We
went to Crab Island today and took our 3 Labrador Retrievers: Roxy – my 12 year
old Chocolate Lab, Gator – my 7 year old Blonde Lab, and Mr. Chomper – my one year
old Black Lab. We packed lunch and spent the day swimming and boating.
Afterwards we went home, washed the dogs, and cooked out. I love summer. I feel
very blessed to have weekends off to spend time with my family.
August:
Back to school shopping! We spent the day at Destin Commons. We took Noelle to Justice,
one of her favorite stores, so that she could pick out sparkly, glittery
outfits. Afterwards, we went to Bonefish for dinner. Today, I am thankful that
I have a husband who likes to shop.
September:
Labor Day is already here. This year we spent the day cooking out and spending
time with my parents. I am very grateful that they live in my neighborhood.
October:
We surprised Noelle with a trip to Disney World for having exceptional grades!
We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Resort. We were able to see so many different
animals roaming right outside of our balcony. We went Trick or Treating with
Mickey Mouse at the Not So Spooky Halloween Party. Another evening we went to a
pool party where we roasted smores on the campfire and played ping pong by the
pool. I am very thankful that we are able to give Noelle such wonderful
memories.
November:
I love Thanksgiving because I love to EAT and I love to COOK! We are spending
Thanksgiving over at my Uncle Gary’s this year. We are all cooking casseroles
to bring over to his house for our Thanksgiving Feast. I thoroughly enjoy
spending the Holidays with my Aunts, Uncles, Mom, Dad, Cousins, Husband, and my
little Noelle. I am very grateful for my health, my friends, and my family.
Regina Bright, MS,
LMHC
Licensed Mental
Health Counselor
Board Certified Sex
Therapist
Clinical Supervisor
Parent Coordinator
Florida Supreme
Court Family Mediator
Stepping Stones
Professional Counseling
151 Mary Esther
Blvd. Suite 310 A.
Mary Esther, Fl
32569
850-226-6430
Fax: 850-254-1986
