“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in" ~ Kristin Armstrong
We sat around the Thanksgiving table with some dear friends and shared what we we are most grateful for in this year. What started as one-two things quickly became three or five things that we give thanks for - because it felt so good to bring attention to what worked, what we have, what is meaningful and brings us joy, peace, safety, or love.
I read about this a few years ago and was reminded of it again: Scientists performed an experiment: one group of people was tasked with writing down the things that they were grateful for on a weekly basis; the other group was asked to record hassles or neutral life events.
The outcome: People who kept gratitude journals also exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives as a whole, and were generally more optimistic about the upcoming week ~ compared to their negatively focused counterparts.
I am reminded again how focusing on Gratitude in relationships brings more harmony, and how it positively affects relationship growth.
It's not just our own wellbeing and happiness that gratitude enhances. Cultivating and expressing feelings of appreciation and gratitude strengthens our bonds with others and brings us closer, and leads to better relationships overall.
Psychologists show us that expressing or receiving appreciation triggers an actual chemical reaction in the brain. Just like when a parent holds a baby or a loved one gives you a hug, a person who gives or receives a genuine thank you experiences the release of oxytocin - the hormone that gives us a warm feeling.
So as we begin to wrap up this year, here's one thing to ponder on:
What do we give our attention and energy to - things to be grateful for, or what's missing in our lives?
The gift, as we see it, is in the gratitude! Happy Holidays, and happy relationship harmony, dear hearts!
Related Posts
