Gratitude
For some folks, their focus is on deficits, those things lacking. For other folks, when under duress or experiencing distress, their focus is on the upset generated by the cause of distress.
Either way, if too immersed by what is lacking or what is distressing, our mood and attitude generally may be negative. This in turn can affect not only how we see the world, but also how we interact within it and then by extension, how people view and interact with us. We can appear unappreciative and indeed, act so.
Gratitude, on the other hand is about feeling grateful for what we have that is positive. It is a focus on what is good with us, another or around us. As infectious as negative moods and attitudes may be, so too are positive moods and attitudes such as gratitude.
Interestingly, when one shifts to or maintains a focus on a mood or attitude such as gratitude, even if done consciously and deliberately, our disposition towards other aspects of life can follow suit. This affects not only our disposition generally, but the view of others towards us.
In other words, practicing gratitude can not only affect your mood for the better, but also affect how others view and interact with us. When one thinks of practicing gratitude start by asking yourself what in your life is going well? It may be a relationship, something about work, a leisure activity or any other aspect of your life. Once you have found one or more things about which you are grateful, just sit back and be thankful. Soak it in, appreciate it. Take pleasure from that which is good, even if something small.
That feeling of gratitude, if the result of another towards you, do let them know. Share it. Either way, strive to keep that sense of that for which you are grateful in mind whenever you can. Even post reminders to do so. This can lift spirits, improve mood and enhance relationships.
Don’t believe it? Just try for a week and see what happens.
