Page 36 - Digital Version For Web SDW Bridal 2015 (2)

Transitions with Carol LeBeau

Gratitude

Compared to the rest of the world, we live in a place of plenty. Cata- Bottom line, practicing gratitude means you’re able to be content in
logs fill our mailboxes, enticing us to buy more “stuff.” Shopping is a the moment even while pursuing long-term plans. A grateful approach
national pastime! enables you to be happy, despite the imperfections of life.
36 Why, then, aren’t the fabulous boots I bought in September still mak- Having a thankful heart may lead to a lower risk of mental health
ing me smile? How is it that I still complain I have “nothing to wear,” problems, greater happiness (call it joy!), increased sense of fulfill-
despite a closet full of clothes? Isn’t it strange that somehow, more ment, positive relationships (a great bonus!) and even better sleep!
is never enough? Rather than happiness and fulfillment, more “stuff”
often leads to frustration and dissatisfaction. Sadly, these negative But the trick is putting gratitude into practice. The Mayo Clinic Guide
emotions can seep into other parts of life…affecting relationships, to Stress-Free Living has a few tips:
work and family. 1. Start your day with gratitude. Like Bob, making gratitude your first
thought in the morning, you start your day on a much more positive
What if I could simply replace desire with gratitude? note.
2. Be thankful for the simple things. I love this one! Throughout the
That’s what a dear friend of ours does every day…and it’s changed his day, take note of the things you often take for granted. I may be
life! We’ve known Bob and his family for years. Bright, accomplished, thankful for a promotion at work, but can’t recall the last time I was
always something nice to say, Bob has achieved enormous financial grateful for electricity, running water, clean clothing or a cup of cof-
success. But that’s not what makes him happy. Bob’s joy comes from fee!
giving generously and his ongoing attitude of gratitude. 3. Look for the positive in the negative. Try to see your struggles as
necessary forces that focus your energy on what’s really important.
“From experience,” explains Bob, “I can say that gratitude is important 4. Acknowledge your riches. If you’re feeling bad, count your bless-
to my health and well being. In fact, I try to start my business day ings…health, a car, warm home, steady job, children and grandchildren.
by asking myself who did something the day before that deserves my The list could be endless!
appreciation…and then expressing it.” 5. Keep a gratitude journal. As you think about the people and things
you’re thankful for, reinforce your thanks by writing them down.
Bob believes the daily discipline may be as important to his health as 6. Say thank you. Express your actions in words and deeds. The whole
physical exercise. “For certain,” he says, “it helps my day begin on the world would be better if we all said, “thank you” more often.
right note.”
A growing number of scientists are siding with Bob! According to What issue better than San Diego Woman Magazine’s Mega Wed-
recent research from the Mayo Clinic, “gratitude, when exhibited as ding Issue to point out the importance of Gratitude. Sometimes in
a regular part of life, not only explains a high sense of well-being, but relationships we tend to get a bit too comfortable, and we take each
also can be fostered in simple ways to increase happiness and fulfill- other for granted. Take a moment each day to tell your partner how
ment.” grateful you are for them and I guaranteed the favor will be returned.
We all feel thankful at times. But gratitude--especially as it corre- Sound like too much sweetness and light? Maybe. But as the science
lates to a higher sense of well-being--isn’t just an emotion, but a way continues to prove otherwise, I think I’ll send a thank-you note to
of being that focuses on noticing and appreciating the good things in someone special. Hmmmm. Feeling better already!
life, and acknowledging that the sources of goodness are frequently
outside the self.