Lesson 14 - Gratitude
Gratitude
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Extra Resources:
Quotes:
- "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." - William Arthur Ward
- "You won't be happy with more until you're happy with what you've got." - Unknown
- "Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts." - Henri Frederic Amiel
Questions for Discussion and/or Journaling:
On a daily basis, jotting down what you are grateful for may not feel like it makes a huge impact. It might seem like it just causes you to appreciate the moments more but as you make this a more regular part of your weekly (or daily) routine, you'll begin to notice changes in yourself, in your perspective and in your overall attitude.
Shift in Perspective: It's so easy to get caught up in all that is going on in our own little world that we forget about all the things that happen all around us every single day.
- What happens in your life without you having to think about it? The sun rises and sets, your eyes blink, your heart beats, you can hear the sound of your alarm, you can go for a walk.
- What did your mom, brother, friend, teacher, etc. do today without you having to ask? They made lunch or dinner, they called, they helped you with a task, they smiled when you needed it most.
- What did not exist 10, 20, 50 years ago that is a regular part of your daily life now? Healthy easily accessible food, the TV, the smart phone, being able to fly almost anywhere in the world, apps that help us learn and grow.
- What do you have in your life right now that others (that you know or around the world) do not? Food, water, shelter, family, warmth, security, stability.
- Ask yourself: "What else could this mean?" Perhaps that person who cut you off in traffic is actually rushing to the hospital, perhaps the person behind the counter was short with you because they are worried about a sick family member, perhaps it isn't really about you at all? Maybe there's a larger meaning . . .
Find Presence:
There truly is beauty in every single day. Maybe you are just not taking time to notice.
- What around me is physically beautiful? Nature, the room, the light coming into the room, the flowers, the picture on the wall.
- What is comfortable about this moment? Your clothes, your chair, the temperature in the room (or outside).
- What is happening inside my body at this moment? Your breath is flowing, your heart is beating, your brain is capable of processing, thinking, and creating feelings.
Reframe:
Sometimes it can be hard to be grateful in a moment where you feel awful. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you.
- Look around you. If you are inside, you are likely to see a picture of a loved one or something you brought into your room because you loved it. If you are outside, the possibilities are endless. There is tremendous beauty in nature if you take a moment to stop, slow down, and notice it.
- Tell someone what they mean to you. Call someone you haven't seen for awhile. Send a letter, a note, a text to tell someone how much you appreciate them ... what they mean to you.
- Ask yourself: Are there really any problems in this moment? Try to truly be in the moment, not looking ahead or in the past . . .
- What are some strategies that you can use to help yourself during those hard moments?
Live Your Legend - Gratitude Guide: 25-ish Questions to Help you Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude