The Attitude of Gratitude

Mike Lamb -

I feel very excited.

A co-worker I mentor got the promotion he wanted. In the months we met together, he put in a lot of work. So much work, that it was recognized by his manager.

The result? A promotion.

As he tells me, I can feel the excitement surging through his fingers and into the keyboard. It feels electrifying. It feels contagious.

As I am congratulating him, he said one thing that made me smile even more. It wasn't a big ordeal or a long message. Just a simple: "Thank you for your support!"

It was the perfect message for my day. He's happy. I'm happy.

We both feel grateful.

Attitude of Gratitude

Gratitude is a wonderful thing. It's something we can freely give to anyone for almost anything.

Be it the cashier at the store, best friend, or a family member, everyone loves feeling appreciated. We can appreciate the work someone does for us by a simple "thank you". When it comes to sharing gratitude, it takes so little from us, but can have a ripple effect on those we are around.

Not only can we give gratitude, but we can also accept it. When we think of things we are grateful for, the list can be endless. Good health, green grass, nature, love, and a home. There are countless things we can be grateful for.

Yet, we don't often see grateful people.

We see people asking for more, wanting something new, and complaining about what they don't have. The focus is on what's missing instead of what is already present.

While it's true we want more, it is also true we have so much already. What if we paused for a moment to be intentionally grateful for what we have today?

Benefits of Gratitude

When we pause to be grateful, we embrace gratitude. This comes with many benefits.

According to several studies done, the benefits of gratitude are astounding. People who practice gratitude are happier, have a positive outlook, and their health improves.

Here is a list of benefits found in people who practice gratitude:

  • Enhanced Well-Being
  • Deeper Relationships
  • Improved Optimism
  • Increased Happiness
  • Stronger Self-Control
  • Better Physical and Mental Health
  • An Overall Better Life

Gratitude is truly life-changing. Both in your life and those around you.

With this life-changing knowledge and begin benefiting from it today.

Taking Action

Change requires taking action. Take action through small steps. It doesn't need to be complicated or time-consuming.

Let's keep it simple:

  • Say "Thank You": ever notice how nice it is to be thanked? It feels amazing! You don't need to wait on this one. Make it your goal to find opportunities to say "thank you". Spread the love and thank someone today.
  • Gratitude Journal: identify 3 things you are grateful for. Share on social media, write in a journal, or talk about it with a loved one. Just being aware of what you are grateful for will bring about change.
  • Meditative Walk: go on a meditative, gratitude walk. This can be a simple walk around your neighborhood, being grateful for what you see. Birds, butterflies, and the natural beauty. Focus on being present, in the moment, and grateful.

An attitude of gratitude doesn't require much from us. All we need to do is look for opportunities to be grateful. As we run across those opportunities: pause and be grateful.

What are you grateful for today?