Fostering Gratitude
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, practicing gratitude is more challenging this year then ever. Many families and residents will have to celebrate virtually or in a social distancing way. We acknowledge the challenges as many RAFT clients and families may have feelings of isolation, sadness and loneliness. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives.
Why is it important?
Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.
Morning Gratitude. One of the best ways to begin your day is to spend a few minutes thinking of all the things that you’re grateful for. If you’re worried about finding the time to do this, or finding a way to remember to give thanks each morning, tie your morning gratitude session to something you enjoy.
While you’re having your first gratitude session, sit back and think of the things that you’re thankful for. You can even start out by feeling gratitude for the following:
- The warmth of the coffee mug you’re holding;
- The aroma of the coffee;
- That first sip of coffee;
- The beautiful morning;
- The beginning of a new day full of promise;
- The quiet just before the day officially starts
Things You Take For Granted. Imagine losing some of the things that you take for granted, such as your home, your ability to see or hear, your ability to walk, or anything that currently gives you comfort. Then imagine getting each of these things back, one by one, and consider how grateful you would be for each and every one.
Put Things in Perspective. Obviously, things won’t always go your way. However, gratitude isn’t an emotion that is reserved for those moments when you get what you want. When things go wrong you can use the power of gratitude to release some of the negative emotions that you may be feeling due to the failure or setback that you just experienced.
Gratitude Letter. Sit down and write a letter to someone who has exerted a positive influence in your life but whom you have not properly thanked. This can be a teacher or a mentor from your past, a grandparent, or anyone else who helped you in some way. The letter doesn’t have to be long, but make sure that you’re specific about what the person did and how it affected you.
Adapted from 22 Gratitude Exercises That Will Change Your Life by Dr. Marelisa Fabrega
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