The Connection Between Gratitude and Wellbeing

The difference between a prison and a monastery is an attitude of griping or an attitude of gratitude. – David O Soper

Did you know people who practice gratitude tend to experience lower rates of depression and increases feelings of personal well-being? According to research, those who consistently practice gratitude experience greater happiness increased optimism, and higher levels of life satisfaction. They are also more likely to accomplish life goals.

Gratitude Defined

[1] Webster defines gratitude as a feeling of thankfulness. Gratitude powerfully touches our emotions. It acknowledges we have received something that brings fulfillment. Gratitude is inspired by the awareness others genuinely care. It celebrates significant life achievements and honors hard work, sacrifice, and the seizing of opportunity. When gratitude becomes an attitude for living, we see all of life as a gift.

Five Ideas for Increasing Your Gratitude:

1. Take a few moments at the beginning or end of your day to list three things you are genuinely grateful for.

2. Set a goal of sending one thankyou note each week to a family member or coworker. Be specific about what you are thankful for and share how it has impacted you.

3. Take time to celebrate your accomplishments and the accomplishments of others.

4. Spend some time praying in your place of worship, home, or a beautiful setting. Express thanks to God for the many blessings He has provided.

5. In his book, Flourish Martin Seligman suggests increasing our happiness via an exercise called The Gratitude Visit. Can you remember someone still living who did something that made your life better? Preferably, someone you have never properly thanked. All too often, we don’t say thank you or don’t take the time to say thank you thoughtfully and purposefully. The task is to write a letter thanking them and deliver it to them in person. As you write, be specific about what the person did and try to keep it to 300 words. Let them know how you are doing now and how often you think about what they did. After you have finished, schedule a time to sit with them and read the letter to them. Notice their reactions and yours. After you have read the letter, take a little time to talk about its content. Seligman reports if you do this, you will be happier and less depressed in one month. [2]

[1] Emmons RA, McCullough ME. The Psychology of Gratitude. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 2004.

[2] Seligman, Martin E. P.. Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being (p. 30). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.