Take a moment to think about whatever brings you a sense of goodness. A shared joke with an old friend that made you laugh ‘til you cried? The baby’s first giggle or smile? The project you finished? Warm blankets straight out of the dryer? The glimpse of those sun rays coming through the clouds on a rainy day?
You see, we’ve learned that with so much going on in the world, we ought not take anything for granted. Big. Small. Free or expensive – doesn’t really matter. It’s all significant because each day is precious.
Every heartbeat reminds us to take in the rhythm of life with immense gratitude.
And, although this is the time of year when we commercialize giving thanks, let’s be honest: we often need the reminder. It’s not always instinctual to appreciate the relationships and blessings all around us.
So, we enjoy delicious meals with delectable treats at Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings. But, when it comes to building and sustaining wealth for generations, is there a secret sauce? A special ingredient?
There are so many industries and pathways to financial freedom – real-estate, entrepreneurship, and more – so, just what is the formula exactly to truly “living your best life?” How can we earn, save, invest, and give such that the returns are undeniable and infinite.
With so many tremendous benefits, gratitude deserves way more attention in the financial wellness movement. Here are a few reasons we should invest time to live with gratitude everyday.
- Live more deeply: When we are connected to what really matters in life, it increases our ability to be present in the moment. We have meaning and purpose. Keeping a journal can help. Gratitude helps to perceive things, people, and experiences for what they’re truly worth.
- Increase confidence. Gratitude improves our mood and self-esteem. The positive emotions we experience give us a boost and a superpower psychologically. As we focus on what we’ve accomplished in the past, we can draw encouragement to take on new challenges with determination and hope.
- Attract people. It’s human nature to crave connection with others – everyone wants to be liked. We all know negativity is one sure fire way to repel folks. But, being grateful gives you a magnetic quality. Calm. Cool. Smiling on the inside (or the outside, too!) presents an authentic aura people will want to support and be around.
- Improves our workflow and productivity. Want to be more profit-able? Gratitude is positively correlated to better sleep, physiological enhancements, and more energy. With increased enthusiasm and vitality, we can get more done and help others – with even greater creativity and efficiency. Now, that’s talking about the bottom line!
So, what are you grateful for? Meditate on what you appreciate and makes you happy. We are even encouraged to write them down. Feel that? It’s a pick-me-up already. Things may not be perfect, but they aren’t so bad. There’s hope and beauty around you when you look through the lens of appreciation.
The innumerable, on-going list of what evokes gratitude in our lives produces dividends we’ll neither fully understand nor ever repay. Yet another reason to yes, be grateful.
Information & Graphic Source: https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/