4 Reasons Why Gratitude is Important

By Dave Balch Blogger

Rate This

Via Pexels

It’s Thanksgiving and we all brush off our dusty gratitude hats and think about all of the things in our lives for which we are grateful. There is plenty written about WHAT we all are/should be grateful for, but I want to talk about WHY gratitude is important in the first place; not just now, but all year long. Here are four reasons why gratitude should be a big part of our lives.

1. Gratitude helps us fight off negative feelings. We all feel down in the dumps sometimes, it’s inevitable. When we do it can be hard to pull ourselves out of it. If we can think of the things we are grateful for, it changes our focus from the bad things in our lives to the good things, and it’s amazing how quickly the dark clouds dissipate and our moods improve.

2. Gratitude affects your overall attitude which, in my opinion, is the number one factor in determining success in all facets of your life: work, relationships, self-image, and general happiness.

3. Gratitude reduces complaining. Very often, if you think about it, people’s complaints are about things that they could actually be grateful for. Complaint: I have too much work to do, my wife has cancer, and the yard needs to be mowed. Let’s look at the things here for which I am grateful: I have a job, my wife is doing well in spite of her illness, I have a home that has a yard, and I have a lawn mower. If you can just turn it around like that, the problems often don’t seem quite so bad.

4. Gratitude, when expressed to others, helps them feel appreciated and valued, which comes back to us in the form of more of whatever you were grateful for! When was the last time you thanked someone for something, or expressed your gratitude that they are simply who they are. Try it sometime; you’ll be amazed at the reaction and everyone involved will be much happier for it.

As with many important things in life, it’s not always easy. Sometimes, when you’re in a bad mood for example, it is very difficult to see through the darkness enough to find things for which to be grateful. The first step in developing this habit is to be aware of it! This is the main point here: gratitude is ALWAYS an option. If you can remember those four simple words, the rest will follow.

Thank you for reading… I appreciate it!

Dealing with cancer, some other major illness, or life in general? Our free daily tips will help you cope: sign-up at http://www.CopingQuickies.com For even more stress management tips and techniques visit http://www.CopingUniversity.com where world-class experts share their wisdom to help you cope. Hours of FREE online audio programs will help reduce your stress and restore your hope. Topics are unique, unusual, fascinating, and just plain fun! Learn how to find humor when nothing seems funny, how to love the way you look no matter what, and how to be romantic even during a serious illness. Our online content is always free, so visit today! And, check out our YouTube channel for entertaining coping ideas: http://www.YouTube.com/copinguniversity

Add a Comment1 Comments

Anonymous

This is helpful!!! I have to do a report on gratitude for Thanksgiving.

November 22, 2012 - 11:40am

This Comment

Improved My Health
Changed My Life
Saved My Life

Add a Comment

Dave Balch Blogger View Profile Send Message

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.