“Happy people put out more positive energy. You can’t see it, but other people feel it. When they feel it, they respond to you in a positive way.” From my book, The Napkin, The Melon & The Monkey

When you are feeling overwhelmed by life, take a moment during your day to appreciate what you have. A research (McCollough, Emmons 2003) study proved that an attitude of gratitude had a positive impact on our emotional well-being and overall happiness. In this study, a group of students kept a journal of daily events that were unpleasant. A second group wrote down those things for which they were grateful. They found that the gratitude group had “… higher levels of the positive states of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, attentiveness and energy.”

It is interesting to note that this study also found that people who take time to deliberately acknowledge their gratitude were more likely to feel loved, and that other people reciprocated with their own kindness.Also, grateful people were grateful regardless of whether pleasant events happened in their day or not.  In other words, they did not just have moments of gratefulness, but grateful attitudes.

3 Tips for Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude

1. Keep an Abundance Journal.
Have  a small notebook handy (on your bedside table, at your desk at work, in your purse or backpack) and write down specific things in your life that you are thankful for. When you are feeling low, you can use your journal to remind you that life isn’t so bad after all.

2. Gratitude Rock.
Find a smooth rock or stone that feels good in your hand and keep it handy. Put it on your desk or carry it in your bag.  When you touch the rock pause for a moment to say “Thank you” for something in your life (friends, family, possessions, a beautiful day, good health, etc.) you are grateful for.

3. Create an Abundance Ritual.
My personal reminder to be grateful is a beautiful old oak tree in the Carleton College Arboretum close to where I live.  Every day when I am out for my run I stop at my “abundance tree” to express my gratitude for all the wonderful things in my life. As I touch the bark (in the same place every time), I feel my connection to the Earth and am reminded of my connection to all living things.

This week cultivate your own attitude of gratitude. It costs nothing and is a gift that keeps on giving. Happy Thanksgiving!

Barbara Burke