Chasing Gratitude, Finding Contentment

Gratitude is one of the most effective tools to beat the negativity and build up your internal positive reference bank. Gratitude supports the sense of fulfillment, appreciation of what we already have. As we know, dissatisfaction with oneself and/or one’s life leads to suffering. Cultivating a daily “attitude of gratitude” focuses on the positive in life, thus bringing contentment, and shapes our attitude to life in an increasingly positive direction. Dr. Rick Hanson (rickhanson.net) writes about the healing qualities of gratitude. According to Dr. Hanson, gratitude:

• calms down the stress response, which strengthens our immune system so we can better fight off colds supports the neurochemistry of well-being and protects against depression;
• builds resilience, so we can bounce back faster from difficult life events;
• fosters appreciation of people we care about, thus building “social support” systems which provides additional health benefits in itself; and
• shifts our attention away from resentment, regret, and guilt that are the sources of many health problems.
• Gratitude List Exercise:

At the beginning or end of each day consider writing a gratitude list. Write down five to ten items you are grateful for right now: your health, your family, your canine/feline children, your education, your job, sunshine, laugher, clean water, a stocked fridge, gas in your car. Take a few moments and focus on these items, and really feel the sense of thankfulness for being healthy, sober, having love of your favorite people, being able to fulfill your dreams, etc. Recognize the fact that overall, you are incredibly blessed to be alive, safe, and protected. Writing a gratitude list daily is sure way to build new positive pathways in our brain, to create new, positive attitudes, and to become more content and fulfilled.

Be Thankful…

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary, because it means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

~Author Unknown

This piece is adapted from “Victim Advocate’s Guide to Wellness: Six Dimensions of Vicarious Trauma-Free Life” by Olga Phoenix. For more blogs, videos, webinars, and training dates please visit www.olgaphoenix.com