Gratitude

Buíochas. Ekele. Sukur. امتنان. Dankbarkeit. நன்றி. Gratia cantantes. Pasasalamat. Dankemo. Ukubonga. Gratitude. No matter the language, the feelings that come with gratitude are something that can tie us all together.

The simple definition for gratitude is feeling thankful. As individuals, we may perceive and express this in different ways. Like other emotions, states of mind, or experiences, gratitude can be temporary or fleeting. What if we made it a point to hold on to it? What if we flexed our gratitude like a muscle, making it stronger and more resilient?

There is science backing what gratitude can do for our bodies and minds. Benefits are numerous and span the gamut of health to include mental, emotional, social, and physical areas. People who regularly feel gratitude are happier. They have more satisfying relationships with themselves and others. They experience less pain and depression. They have better sleep, cognitive function, and heart health. They are kinder.

When we begin to increase our gratitude-awareness, it becomes easier to recognize more and more that we have to be grateful for and to continue the positive cycle.

As we approach the holiday season here in the U.S. and across the World, I thought this might be a great time to talk about gratitude. I feel it is important to begin to expand this conversation into the rest of our year and start really building this muscle.

I am grateful for your time, and I hope you enjoy this post and video.