Reaping the Benefits of Gratitude

Amy Taylor August 19, 2014

You know that being grateful can make you happier and healthier. Vast research has shown that the simple act of ‘giving thanks’ can have a significant impact on our mental health and well-being. But are you able to practise gratitude at a deeper level? Here are the steps to follow:

Recognising that Something Good Just Happened

Sometimes, we fail to see the goodness in every little thing. We tend to have this very high regard for gratitude that only the big accomplishments and achievements are seen. But gratitude, on a deeper level, is appreciating the good things that meander our way. You may not realise it but a lot of good things happen on a daily basis, no matter how ordinary your day has been. That good thing could be waking up on time and not arriving late for work, having a fulfilling breakfast, going pass the traffic jam quickly, having someone to hold open the door for us whilst we carry loads of paperwork, a stranger smiling at us, and a warm cup of coffee a friend bought for us.

On one level, there’s really nothing here that’s a big deal. Try to recognise the good things that happen to your life every day, especially small ways that people show kindness toward you. If you’re not sure about their motivation, give them the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps there are more people who care about you than you think there are.

Allowing Gratitude to Get Through You

Some people aren’t used to receiving kindness from others. It makes them feel that they don’t really deserve such positive treatment, or the other person could have darker intentions. But disallowing ourselves to receive the gift of kindness is one way of preventing happiness to enter out life. The moment you recognise that someone offered you a kindness, see if you can let it in. Breathe deep and allow yourself to be comfortable with it.

Enjoying the Moment

Once you let it in, let yourself enjoy the goodness of gratitude. Don’t be anxious about that fact that the positive feeling might vanish after a while, or else, you may not be able to enjoy it fuller. When someone gives something to you, gently hold the good or warm feeling inside you. Allow that feeling to be there and expand as much as it wants to.

Making Someone Feel Grateful Too

What’s a short “thank you” to express your gratitude? It is one way to convey that we noticed and appreciated the kindness. There are many other ways to show your appreciation for someone. For instance, you can thank your hubby for always being there by preparing a delicious dish, organising his/her closet, or taking him/her out for a dinner. Letting people know that we’ve been genuinely affected by their gift is giving them the opportunity to experience the gratefulness you’ve just felt. So it is not you who just benefited from it, but the both of you.