“Gratitude turns what you have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order; confusion into clarity. It makes sense of your past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie

Cultivating gratitude has enormous physical, mental and emotional benefits. Research reveals gratitude can have seven benefits:

1. Gratitude opens the door to more relationships. Not only does saying “thank you” constitute good manners, but showing appreciation can help you win new friends, according to a 2014 study published in Emotion. The study found that thanking a new acquaintance makes them more likely to seek an ongoing relationship. So whether you thank a stranger for holding the door or you send a quick thank-you note to that co-worker who helped you with a project, acknowledging other people’s contributions can lead to new opportunities.

2. Gratitude improves physical health. Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and they report feeling healthier than other people, according to a 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences. Not surprisingly, grateful people are also more likely to take care of their health.  They exercise more often and are more likely to attend regular check-ups with their doctors, which is likely to contribute to further longevity.

3. Gratitude improves psychological health. Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, ranging from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., a leading gratitude researcher, has conducted multiple studies on the link between gratitude and well-being. His research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.

4. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression. Grateful people are more likely to behave in a prosocial manner, even when others behave less kind, according to a 2012 study by the University of Kentucky. Study participants who ranked higher on gratitude scales were less likely to retaliate against others, even when given negative feedback. They experienced more sensitivity and empathy toward other people and a decreased desire to seek revenge.

5. Grateful people sleep better. Writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep, according to a 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Spend just 15 minutes jotting down a few grateful sentiments before bed, and you may sleep better and longer.

6. Gratitude improves self-esteem. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that gratitude increased athlete’s self-esteem, which is an essential component to optimal performance. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs – which is a major factor in reduced self-esteem- grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments.

7. Gratitude increases mental strength. For years, research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress, but it may also play a major role in overcoming trauma.  A 2006 study published in Behavior Research and Therapy found that Vietnam War Veterans with higher levels of gratitude experienced lower rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  A 2003 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that gratitude was a major contributor to resilience following the terrorist attacks on September 11.  Recognizing all you have to be thankful for – even during the worst times of your life – fosters resilience.

We all have the ability and opportunity to cultivate gratitude. Simply take a few moments to focus on all that you have – rather than complain about all the things you think you deserve.

Developing an “attitude of gratitude” is one of the simplest ways to improve your happiness and satisfaction with life.

References:

1. Amy Morin, 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round, Forbes, December 10, 2021. https://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2014/11/23/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-of-gratitude-that-will-motivate-you-to-give-thanks-year-round/#5c900d9b183c

It’s easy to focus on the negatives during difficult times, but even on your hardest days, a daily gratitude practice trains your brain to look for the good in every day and helps you become more resilient.

Practicing gratitude has been scientifically proven to be associated with an individual’s well-being, general feelings of happiness and overall mental health.

Here are 7 scientifically proven benefits of gratitude from an article titled, “7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round”, by psychotherapist, Amy Morin:

• Gratitude opens the door to more relationships
• Gratitude improves physical health
• Gratitude improves psychological/brain health
• Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression
• Grateful people sleep better
• Gratitude improves self-esteem
• Gratitude increases mental strength

It’s so easy to focus on the negatives during difficult times, but even on our hardest days, a daily gratitude practice trains our mind to look for the good in every day and helps us become more resilient.

In a 2003 research study, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that “gratitude was a major contributor to resilience following the terrorist attacks on September 11,” concluding that “recognizing all that you have to be thankful for — even during the worst times—fosters resilience.” (Psychology Today)

1. https://www.namidanecounty.org/blog/2020/4/14/how-to-start-a-gratitude-journal

The biggest improvement in your life will come when you realize that happiness and contentment are just a byproduct of good habits.

Say No by Default

Your time’s precious: don’t give it to people who don’t deserve it. Especially to Energy Vampires who drain your energy.

Conquer FOMO and put yourself first – make it your rule of thumb that  if it’s not a “no brainer” yes, then it’s a no.

Choose Writing Over Complaining

Complaining isn’t attractive – it repels ambitious people and fosters a negative mindset.

Write down your thoughts instead: you’re forced to think slowly and deeply so your irrationality loses its edge.

It’s the therapy your therapist uses.

Prioritize Nature

A study of 20,000 people in the UK found that 120 minutes/week in nature improved health and well-being.

It’s the planet’s greatest healer.

Whenever you’re in a rut, time in nature will always spark the return of color to the gray.

Pay it Forward

Random acts of kindness boost well-being:

• Holding the door for someone
• Picking up trash outside
• Giving a compliment

The world’s a closed system: if you send waves of positivity out, they’ll find their way back to you.

Maintain Relationships

Human connections are the fabric of life – but you need to be intentional with them amidst life’s chaos.

So schedule time weekly for thoughtful texts and calls to those you’ve neglected.

It’s a couple of minutes with an ROI you’ll measure in years.

Focus on Your Health

I’m convinced most mental health problems are actually physical health problems. Everyone I know who:

• Eats well
• Exercises daily
• Drinks enough water

Has a Teflon mind that repels all negativity.

https://x.com/masculinepath04/status/1810924943191806061

Buy small cap ETFs such as the iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) or the iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR).

Chipotle Mexican Grill’s first-ever 50-to-1 stock split will be one of the largest in New York Stock Exchange history. The split will cut Chipotle’s share price to about $64 each from nearly $3,200 each now.

Splits don’t change the market value of a company, but the smaller share price may be more attractive to retail investors, making them popular vehicles for companies.

Chipotle shares are up nearly 40% this year. CFO Jack Hartung has said the move can help it reward employees.

Chipotle’s split comes after some other high profile ones this year, including Nvidia’s and Walmart’s. Chip maker Broadcom is set to split its stock in July.

Overall there are nine stock splits this year through July, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence, up from two in the same time period last year.

History shows that companies tend to outperform after splitting their stock, even though nothing fundamentally changes about their business.

BofA Global Research found that average returns are about 25% during the 12 months after a split is announced, versus 12% gains for the S&P 500

Be Grateful and Find Joy in Every Momemt!

The higher or conscious self plays a significant role in shaping your experiences and perceptions.

The higher or conscious self is the true essence of who we are, connected to higher wisdom, intuition, and universal consciousness. This aspect of our being transcends the limitations of our physical existence and egoic mind. It embodies qualities such as deep wisdom and insight, unconditional love, compassion, authenticity, integrity, unity, oneness, calm, and presence.

The higher self operates from a place of unconditional love and empathy, guiding us to live in alignment with our true values and purpose. It recognizes the interconnectedness of all beings and sees beyond the illusion of separation created by the ego, providing a sense of inner peace and presence.

By strengthening the connection to the higher self, one can transcend limitations and live a more authentic, fulfilled, and purpose-driven life.

Learning to trust inner wisdom over external influences is key to aligning more closely with the higher self and achieving personal growth and self-awareness. This balance allows for a life led by intuition and inner wisdom, ultimately fostering deeper fulfillment and alignment with one’s true essence.

Source:  https://m.facebook.com/story.php

1. Invest in and pappreciating assets. Avoid purchasing liabilities.
2. Avoid conspicuous consumption. No one ever spent their way to financial freedom.
3. Apply leverage to build wealth.
4. Detach yourself from things and liabilities you don’t need. Liabilities are the reason you work so hard.
5. Identify common money pitfalls. Soceity is designed to make you a consumer and for you to trade time for money.
6. Know where all your money is going. Pay yourself first by saving and investing.
7. Automate your finances and investments.  Create a financial and wealth building plan.
8. Be courageous and take risks. Wealth comes from doing what other people won’t. Make financial freedom you too goal.
9. Increase your income and develop multiple streams.
10. Be disciplined and develop good wealth building habits.