Today, I’m thankful and grateful for today!
Tag Archives: Gratitude
Gratitude is a Powerful Emotion
Gratitude is a powerful emotion and mindset that has been extensively studied for its positive effects on well-being and health.
Gratitude is about recognizing the good and appreciating what you have in your life. It’s means everyday, thinking, believing and saying, “Today, I’m thankful and grateful.”
Key insights from recent gratitude research found:
Neuroscience of Gratitude: Gratitude activates brain regions associated with dopamine and serotonin, the neurotransmitters responsible for happiness. This activation can lead to improved mood and overall well-being.
Psychological Benefits: Practicing gratitude can enhance mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It also promotes resilience and strengthens social relationships.
Physical Health: Grateful individuals tend to have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, and better sleep quality.
Social and Emotional Well-being: Gratitude fosters positive emotions, enhances life satisfaction, and boosts self-esteem. It also encourages prosocial behavior, which can improve relationships and social bonds.
Practical Applications: Simple practices like keeping a gratitude journal, writing gratitude letters, or regularly reflecting on things you’re thankful for can significantly enhance your happiness and life satisfaction.
There is always a reason to be grateful!
7 HABITS OF A GRATEFUL ATHLETE
7 HABITS OF A GRATEFUL ATHLETE by Brian Smith published by Athletes in Action
Studies show that people who practice gratitude are generally more happy, healthy, and optimistic about life.
Athlete who practice gratitude have better results during practice, coaching and in the arena of competition.
There are many reasons athletes specifically have to be grateful. Yet, it can be hard to practice gratitude in the midst of the daily grind of our sport. Our ability to be grateful often ebbs and flows with the circumstances in front of us.
Gratitude is like a muscle—it gets stronger if we consistently give it attention and push it beyond it’s level of comfort. Conversely, if we fail to exercise it consistently, our ability to be thankful atrophies.
Here are seven habits of thankful athletes, mental choices that athletes can incorporate into their daily lives to grow and maintain their gratitude “muscles.”
GRATEFUL ATHLETES TAKE TIME TO SOAK IN THE MOMENT
Before a practice or competition, they stop, take a deep breath, and make it a point to appreciate what they are about to engage in. Who else on this earth gets to play a game they love in front of fans who cheer them on in the process?
Is there pressure involved in that? Sure. But grateful athletes make it a habit to pause and enjoy, if only for a moment, the unique opportunity they get to experience.
GRATEFUL ATHLETES :
> TAKE TIME TO SOAK IN THE MOMENT
> RECOGNIZE PEOPLE WHO GO UNNOTICED
> FIGHT AGAINST ENTITLEMENT
> ARE COACHABLE
> LOOK FOR SILVER LININGS
> JOY IS NOT CONDITIONAL
> RECOGNIZE EXCELLENCE IN THEIR OPPONENT
> RECOGNIZE PEOPLE WHO GO UNNOTICED
> FIGHT AGAINST ENTITLEMENT
> ARE COACHABLE
> LOOK FOR SILVER LININGS
> JOY IS NOT CONDITIONAL
> RECOGNIZE EXCELLENCE IN THEIR OPPONENT
GRATEFUL ATHLETES RECOGNIZE PEOPLE WHO GO UNNOTICED
They shake the hand the of maintenance worker who helps cut the grassy field that they are about to tear up with their cleats or the janitor who mops the floor so their feet won’t slide on the dust. They write their athletic trainer a thank you note for taping them up, helping them rehab, or stretching them out before practice. They give a hug to the die-hard fan that is at every game and cheers for his/her team regardless of the outcome.
GRATEFUL ATHLETES FIGHT AGAINST ENTITLEMENT
They recognize every blessing they receive as a gift they are not entitled to. Entitlement stands in direct opposition to gratitude.
Per diem money on a road trip. New shoes. New gear. Laundry being done on their behalf. Water or Gatorade received from a trainer. Tutors helping them pass their classes. Teachers giving them grace because of their travel schedule.
Grateful athletes fight against the “I deserve” mentality that is so pervasive in our culture by thanking the giver of these gifts and frequently checking the posture of their heart.
GRATEFUL ATHLETES ARE COACHABLE
They listen to advice and instruction from their coaches and, when appropriate, from their fellow teammates. They realize they do not have all of the answers. Even if they disagree with input that is given, it will not keep them from at least testing it out on the field. Grateful athletes have an appreciation of the authority they currently sit under and a desire to soak up any knowledge given to them.
GRATITUDE IS LIKE A MUSCLE—IT GETS STRONGER IF WE CONSISTENTLY GIVE IT ATTENTION AND PUSH IT BEYOND ITS LEVEL OF COMFORT.
GRATEFUL ATHLETES LOOK FOR SILVER LININGS
They understand that life is not always going to be rainbows and butterflies. There will be hardships in the form of injuries, losses, poor performance, and team conflict.
Grateful athletes do not pretend these circumstance do not exist or pretend they are not affected by them. They do, however, constantly ask themselves “What good can come of this or has already come of this?” in the midst of the struggle.
In difficult times, gratitude can be tough to grab onto. Grateful athletes make an effort to step back, look at the bigger picture, and cling to any silver lining they find.
GRATEFUL ATHLETE’S JOY IS NOT CONDITIONAL
They do not need a win or an epic personal best to be thankful. Gratitude for a grateful athlete is not birthed from good results, nor is it circumstantial.
They understand that lasting joy cannot be found in a game that delivers both the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. How do they set themselves on a trajectory of consistent gratitude?
They put their hope in the one who does not change. God. They read—no, devour His Word. They participate—no, are actively involved in a community of like-minded people to sharpen one another.
- They pray.
- They confess.
- At all costs they stay connected to the one who calls Himself “The Rock.”
GRATEFUL ATHLETES RECOGNIZE EXCELLENCE IN THEIR OPPONENT
They have an appreciation for their competitors. Have you ever noticed that rivals tend to bring their best to the table when they play? Grateful athletes practice gratitude towards a rival on two levels.
- One, they are thankful that their rival will ultimately bring out the best in their own performance.
- Two, because their joy is not dependent on winning, they are able to appreciate and look forward to the competition itself. Grateful athletes have a unique ability to want to beat their opponent while at the same time appreciating the intensity that is about to ensue.
References:
Gratitude and Success
“Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.” ~ Earl Nightingale, American radio host and writer
Nightingale emphasizes the importance of gratitude in achieving success. He believes that by expressing gratitude for what we have, we attract more positive experiences into our lives.
Nightingale suggests practicing gratitude daily by writing down three things we are grateful for. He believes that by focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can cultivate a mindset of abundance and attract more success.
Source: https://leaderself.com/summary/the-essence-of-success-earl-nightingale/
Gratitude Improves Athletic Performance
Gratitude Improves Athletic Performance by Kathy A. Feinstein
November 21, 2018
Did you know that practicing gratitude can improve athletic performance? Research confirms what the world’s elite sports stars already know – that being kinder to yourself, and to others, and being grateful, is good for your mental health.
Athletes have talked about how having compassion, gratitude and a sense of perspective enable them to balance the demands of being a full-time athlete with having a family. Grateful young athletes are more satisfied with their teams, less likely to burn out and enjoy better well-being overall on and off the field.
Why is it important that student-athletes should cultivate an attitude of gratitude? Here I share the main reasons:
1. Gratitude encourages humility. When student-athletes express gratitude they move further from the entitlement epidemic so prevalent in society today. It is a small –but meaningful- way that athletes can demonstrate a we, not me mentality.
2. Gratitude deters arrogance. In what some call the “ME-llinial” generation some student-athletes are focused on their individual stats, highlights, and successes regardless of their team. Expressing gratitude to those who have contributed to each athlete’s journey acknowledges that other people matter. No one became successful alone.
3. Gratitude facilitates emotional control. Athletes who experience gratitude are likely to experience more positive emotions. This lowers stress, promotes problem-solving, and greater self-regulation.
4. Gratitude fosters contentment. Not to be confused with complacency, contentment helps athletes to be grateful for what they’ve already received, and that better performance is in their future.
5. Gratitude stewards stronger teams. Research shows that when people cultivate an attitude of gratitude on a regular basis they act with more compassion, generosity, and kindness. This has a positive impact on their relationships. A team with better relationships performs better.
6. Gratitude inspires student-athletes to take better care of themselves. Grateful athletes tend to take better care of their bodies and they tolerate aches and pains easier. They sleep 10% more and feel more alert and focused. All that translates into better performance in competition and the classroom.
Gratitude can enhance athletic performance in many ways. You’ve got to exercise your gratitude muscles every day. Cultivating a consistent attitude of gratitude benefits athletes mentally, physically, and socially.
Here are four tips to enhance athlete’s ability to practice gratitude:
– List five things for which they feel grateful in a journal once a week.
– Do one small thoughtful thing for a member of the family.
– Write a short letter to someone who changed their life for the better and deliver it in person.
– After a successful game, take a moment to personally thank someone who contributed to this happening.
Kathy A. Feinstein is a top sports performance consultant and Parenting Peak Performers podcast host
Source: https://www.kafcounselingandsportperformance.com/blog/how-gratitude-improves-athletic-performance
Always Something to be Grateful
“There is always always always something to be grateful for…Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s about appreciating the small moments, expressing kindness, and recognizing the abundance in your life.”
No matter what challenges or hardships you face, there is always something to be grateful for. It might be a small moment of peace in the chaos, a smile from a stranger, or the simple fact that we have another day to try again.
Gratitude isn’t about having a perfect life; it’s about recognizing the good things and beauty in the imperfect.
When you pause to appreciate the little things — a warm cup of tea, a breath of fresh air, or the support of a friend — you cultivate a mindset that can transform your outlook, reminding you that even in the darkest times, light can still be found.
Gratitude is a powerful force that can ground you in the present and helps you navigate life’s ups and downs with joy, grace and resilience.
References:
Gratitude Journal
Starting a gratitude journal can be as simple writing down three things you are thankful for, no matter how small. Over time with using a gratitude journal, something tends to shift. You will begin noticing the little joys—the warmth of sunlight, a kind word from a friend, a delicious meal. As you continued this practice, your perspective changed. Even in difficult moments, there were reasons to be grateful.
One evening, I wrote about a simple act of kindness: a stranger held the door open for me at a coffee shop. It was such a small thing, but it touched my heart. That moment reminded me that goodness exists everywhere, even in the midst of challenges.
Gratitude became my anchor. It didn’t erase my problems, but it helped me navigate them with more resilience. I learned that gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you”; it’s about actively seeking out the beauty and goodness around us.
So, if you ever feel overwhelmed, consider starting a gratitude practice. Write down a few things you’re thankful for each day. You’ll be surprised at how it shifts your perspective and brings more positivity into your life.
Gratitude Quotes
Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s about appreciating the small moments, expressing kindness, and recognizing the abundance in your life.
Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate, once said, “When a person doesn’t have gratitude, something is missing in his or her humanity.” His words remind us that gratitude connects us to our shared humanity and helps us appreciate life’s blessings even amidst adversity.
John D. Rockefeller, the renowned American industrialist, kept a gratitude journal. Each day, he wrote down something he was thankful for. This simple practice helped him maintain perspective and stay grounded despite his immense wealth and influence.
Research shows that practicing gratitude can lead to improved mental health, better sleep, and reduced stress. When we focus on what we’re thankful for, it shifts our mindset and rewires our brain to notice positivity.
Grateful People Are Happier and Healthier
A growing body of research suggests that maintaining an attitude of gratitude can improve psychological, emotional and physical well-being.
Adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not, according to studies conducted over the past decade. They earn more money, sleep more soundly, exercise more regularly and have greater resistance to viral infections.
Researchers found that gratitude brings similar benefits in children and adolescents.
Kids who feel and act grateful tend to be less materialistic, get better grades, set higher goals, complain of fewer headaches and stomach aches and feel more satisfied with their friends, families and schools than those who don’t, studies show.
Philosophers as far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans cited gratitude as an indispensable human virtue, but social scientists, such as Robert Emmons, a professor of psychology at the University of California-Davis and a pioneer in gratitude research, and Jeffrey J. Froh, an assistant professor of psychology at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.
The research is part of the “positive psychology” movement, which focuses on developing strengths rather than alleviating disorders.
Cultivating gratitude is also a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, which holds that changing peoples’ thought patterns can dramatically affect their moods.
Much of the research on gratitude has looked at associations, not cause-and-effect relationships; it’s possible that people who are happy, healthy and successful simply have more to be grateful for. But in a landmark study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2003, Dr. Emmons and University of Miami psychologist Michael McCullough showed that counting blessings can actually make people feel better.
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Gratitude Makes You Wealthy
“Learn to be thankful for what you already have, while you pursue all that you want.” —Jim Rohn
Gratitude makes you feel good and there are concrete benefits to being grateful that translate into real-world prosperity and well-being. And, habits that cultivate gratitude benefit everyone.
Pam Grout, author of Thank and Grow Rich: A 30-Day Experiment in Shameless Gratitude and Unabashed Joy says that “Gratitude is causative energy. It plants seeds that grow into unlimited abundance.” She points out that being thankful can increase many different kinds of capital: financial, spiritual, social, creative, even adventure capital!
Gratitude opens the door for good results in every area of life. Not only can gratitude can increase your financial wealth, it increases your well-being spiritually, mentally, socially, and physically. This equates to wealth and makes for a truly rich life!
Successful business owner May McCarthy describes in her book, The Path to Wealth, how her own gratitude practice has led to increased spiritual connection, prosperity, and a well-honed intuition.
A growing body of research suggests that maintaining an attitude of gratitude can improve psychological, emotional and physical well-being.
Adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not, according to studies conducted over the past decade, writes Melinda Beck in the Wall Street Journal.
Research over the last several years has shown overwhelming benefits. The Wall Street Journal reports that an attitude of gratitude can help people experience more energy, greater optimism, more social connections, and more happiness.
In Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine, gratitude researcher Robert Emmons says that those who practice gratitude consistently:
- are more helpful, generous and compassionate
- are more forgiving of others
- experience greater joy and pleasure
- are more outgoing and less likely to feel lonely or isolated
- have stronger immune systems
- experience fewer aches and pains
- report lower blood pressure and
- sleep more soundly.
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