The benefits of gratitude: A feeling that improves quality of life.

By: Oasis Team

“Some people complain that roses have thorns; I am grateful because thorns have roses,” taught the philosopher Alphonse Karr. Gratitude is an emotion that expresses appreciation for what one has – unlike, for example, the emphasis that the consumer places on what they want or need – and is receiving much attention as a facet of positive psychology. Gratitude is what is poured into the glass to make it half full. Studies show that gratitude can not only be deliberately cultivated, but can also increase levels of well-being and happiness among those who cultivate it. Furthermore, the thought of gratitude – and especially its expression to others – is associated with increased levels of energy, optimism, and empathy.

Give thanks daily for what you have.

Have you ever noticed how some people are grateful and appreciate everything they have, while others complain about everything they don't have? What kind of person are you? When you see a glass of water, do you see it as half full or half empty? How you see the level of the contents of the glass gives an incredible glimpse into your overall happiness and state of mind.

It's fun to get together with family and friends on festive occasions, but it's also healthy to take time to reflect on the abundance each of us has in our daily lives. Happiness and well-being are more important than status and possessions. Materialism is not happiness. That feeling of entitlement will never bring joy. Happiness is peace of mind, and often, in this fast-paced, rollercoaster life we ​​lead, that concept gets lost, especially during very stressful times of the year.

We face challenges every day, and you don't need to survive a hurricane or a personal tragedy to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine. The characteristics that define who can cope with adversity are the same ones that define who will have a happy, healthy, and productive life.

FaithBelief in something greater than yourself, whether it's God, family, a higher power, or a cause.

Hope: The knowledge that, no matter how bleak things are in the present, there is a belief that everything will get better: "The Power of Hope".

Love: Your feelings of love toward others – whether an individual, a family, or a group – and theirs toward you can enrich your life in countless ways.

Gratitude: Be grateful for what you have, instead of being bitter about what you don't have.

So, do you regularly express gratitude for the riches in your life? If not, all is not lost. Gratitude can be learned, practiced, and developed, producing a feeling of well-being, optimism, and happiness. Furthermore, when children see their parents being grateful, they are more likely to become grateful children themselves.

Starting today, implement these suggestions into your daily life:

• Every morning, before getting out of bed, think about everything in your life that you are grateful for – it could be your spouse beside you, the child in the next room, the pet in the kitchen. It could be the sun shining through the window, the legs that take you where you want to go, or the eyes you use to see the world. Do this every morning, make it a ritual. I guarantee that if you do this, you will start your morning on a positive note, and that sets the pattern for a positive day.

• We all have bad days because life isn't perfect. Bad things happen all the time. When life hits you hard, instead of dwelling on your bad luck, use the time to write down the things you are currently grateful for. Seeing them in writing, and even the act of writing itself, can be calming and cathartic.

• Be grateful for life's challenges, because they serve as lessons and allow us to grow. See each challenge as a way to learn and build a better life.

• Be grateful for what you have. Envy will suck the life out of you. Instead of wishing for a mansion, servants, your dream sports car, or designer clothes, be thankful for what you have. Consumerism is not the path to happiness. There will always be those who have more, just as there will always be others who have less. Be grateful that you have enough.

• Finally, help others. Every time you see someone less fortunate, think, “But by the grace of God I will,” and offer them solidarity, even if it’s just with a smile and a word of encouragement. You don’t need to be religious to do this; it’s simply an acknowledgment that you have more than many.

Therefore, when you feel the need to reflect on times of economic crisis, high unemployment rates, and all the problems we are facing, stop. Direct your attention to what you have faith in, to those you love, who love you, and to your hopes for the future. Most importantly, take time to gratefully acknowledge all the good things you have in your life.

Life is a gift. Freedom is a gift. A job is a gift. Friends and loved ones are gifts. Your very breath at this moment is a gift. Viewing life with grateful eyes gives you a glimpse that life owes you nothing and allows gratitude to work its humble magic. Give thanks daily.