
Gratitude: How to add to your happiness quota with this simple practiceWritten on the 8th of February 2012 Affirming our gratitude increases our positive emotions, which helps to banish the negatives. The more we practice reflecting on the things we are grateful for, the more we broaden our thinking and build our emotional resources. Acknowledging—and sharing—moments of gratitude is a powerful practice for staying positive, energised and resilient. Martin Seligman, a leader in the field of positive psychology, defines gratitude as being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen. He considers it a strength that forges connection to the larger universe and provides meaning. Writing down the things we are grateful for helps embed them and make them more concrete. We recommend starting a gratitude list or journal you can add to weekly. You can do it in your head—if you do it mindfully. The most important thing is to make this reflective practice meaningful to you, not something you do because you have to.
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| Sue Langley, CEO | 27 Jan |
…for the amazing smell of the jasmine and frangipani trees this morning after the rain. |
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…that after breaking my arm yesterday, I had the amazing chance to practice what I have learnt in neuroscience by focusing on allowing the pain to be, then working on pain networks in my brain to reduce the sensations! |
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…my partner David is so amazing in looking after me. |
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| Janet Langley, Senior Coach | 25 Jan |
…that my strengths play out every day and really resonate with me. |
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…to be in this beautiful country—each year Australia Day is the reward and grateful celebration for my life here. |
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...for the opportunity to experience new adventures like kayaking, African Safaris and holidays in Italy. |
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| Mel Neil, Senior Consultant | 27 Jan |
…that as a local government councillor I was able to participate in a Citizenship Ceremony and officially welcome six newly naturalised Australians into our wonderful community. |
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…that every day I am given another chance on this earth to do what I can to help others have more happiness and less suffering. |
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...that my ability to cultivate compassion and loving kindness is limitless. |
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…for every night I lay down with the one I love who lives every day encouraging me to be the best person I can be. |
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| Celia Prosser, Consultant | 26 Jan |
…for how much I've grown and learnt about myself over the past three years. |
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…for the feeling of amazement, excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead. |
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…for the cafe down the road which does THE most amazing blueberry pancakes. |
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…for my dentist bill, without which I wouldn't have health teeth and gums! |
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| Yulia Zlatkin, Consultant | 25 Jan |
…that I have had over 2 weeks on a gorgeous holiday to get closer with my girls and husband, watch them grow, see them smile and get to know them even better. |
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...to be working this profession, that I have managed to cross paths with the community that is EIW and that as a result I can learn and embed my learnings into my life on a daily basis and give back too. |
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| Linda Marks, Executive Assistant | 7 Feb |
…that every day I wake up in good health without life threatening disease, all my organs working and my legs allowing me to walk forward. |
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…for the unconditional love and sloppy kisses of my dog. |
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| Sophie Ozolins, Marketing Manager | 7 Feb |
…that I feel I’ve made the right decisions and my life is carrying me forward with energy and speed. |
Inspire us with your blessings by sharing your gratitude list. Every positive statement expands our range of options and adds to the sum of human happiness. If you’re happy for others to hear them too, we’ll publish them in our next newsletter issue. Contact us.
Read more about EIW consultants and our positive psychology based tools.