How to Express Thankfulness For a Happier Life
Is it possible that thankfulness can result in a happier life?
After all, if being alive is something ‘we get to do’, then we should be appreciative of the opportunity. There may not be a confirmed scientific study that proves thankfulness leads to a happier life, an association between the two exists.
I believe expressing thankfulness has improved my life. I use it to take my mind off things I cannot change.
Not too long ago, I took a supply chain course that stretched me way beyond my comfort zone and understanding of business math. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t know, I flipped it by saying how thankful I was to learn a new subject.
Simply put, being thankful decreases stress.
Here’s a gratitude quote by Alphonse Karr, I shared on Twitter:
“Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.”
However, as with other unproven theories, there are skeptics who are not quite certain that gratitude equals happiness. Still, what if could be true? What’s the worst that could happen if we express gratitude each day?
While skeptics may have their doubts, there are plenty of experts who believe the power of gratitude can lead to a more meaningful, happy life.
So, if you prescribe to the notion that thankfulness can make your life better (or you just want to give it a try), here are five tips to get you started.
5 Tips to Express Thankfulness
Keep a diary and write a gratitude entry every day.
If you have trouble thinking beyond the basics such as air, walking, and talking, expand these by expressing why you’re grateful for these things. For instance, “Today I’m grateful for fresh air because it allows me to be alive and easily experience the world around me.”
Don’t forget to be thankful (and kind!) to yourself.
The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, can teach you to train your brain for kindness, along with some other ‘good’ articles.
Plus, being kind to yourself, can help you learn to live a more purposeful life.
P.S.: The Greater Good Center also has a monthly calendar filled with kindness and happiness.
Try the happiness calendar activities developed by the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley.
Make thankfulness a habit.
From the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, incorporate thankfulness into your routine using the Japanese technique of “Kaizen.” Simply practice thankfulness at the same time each day for one minute — and that’s it!
Habitual activities will build your thankfulness repertoire in no time. Even though “Kaizen” is not directly connected to gratitude, developing good habits is always helpful.
Need to tell someone “thank you?”
In addition to verbalizing the words, write them down. Writing a thank you card by hand has an overall psychological effect that can improve your spirit and the recipient’s, too.
Write a gratitude poem or give your time.
Both are thought to be powerful and unusual ways to express thankfulness. Using creativity or volunteering can shift your thoughts to gratitude.
Whether or not you believe that thankfulness can help you achieve a happier life, practicing different techniques to express your gratitude will at least boost your spirit.
Until next time!
