Attitude of Gratitude

This is the time of year when we express gratitude for the things in our lives. But expressing gratitude doesn’t have to be limited to the holidays. Establishing a regular practice of acknowledging gratitude can cause very real benefits including higher levels of optimism, increased compassion, and increased connections.

A common way to begin expressing gratitude is a gratitude journal. Taking time each day to express gratitude is a good way to get in the habit and begin to change your mentality. There are no limits of what you can be grateful for, but take care to write in the affirmative, e.g. “I’m grateful for…” rather than “I’m grateful that I’m not…” Also, take the time to share your gratitude; make a habit of genuinely thanking someone on a regular basis.

Gratitude isn’t only important for our personal well-being, it is important to our relationships as well. It has been found that marriages with a high ratio of positive interactions to negative interactions have the highest rates of intact, satisfying marriages. One way of having a positive interaction with your spouse is by expressing your gratitude for them. Showing appreciation can be an antidote to contempt created by hurtful or negative experiences.

Practicing gratitude is an easy way to benefit your relationship. It might take some practice, but in the end it will help strengthen the positive aspects of your marriage.

https://www.gottman.com/blog/an-attitude-of-gratitude-and-the-51-ratio-during-the-holidays/