Gratitude

According to Psychology Today, “Gratitude is an emotion expressing appreciation for what one has—as opposed to, for example, a consumer-driven emphasis on what one wants. Gratitude is getting a great deal of attention as a facet of positive psychology: Studies show that we can deliberately cultivate gratitude, and can increase our well-being and happiness by doing so. In addition, gratefulness—and especially expression of it to others—is associated with increased energy, optimism, and empathy.”

Gratitude helps us see our situation in a way that can lessen panic and open up our thinking to new solutions. Gratitude takes mindfulness, and active participation. Unstuck gives 9 helpful tips on how to cultivate gratitude daily:

Notice your day-to-day world from a point of gratitude and be amazed at all the goodness we take for granted.
Keep a gratitude journal. All it requires is noting one or more things you are grateful for on a daily basis. No fancy notebook, no computer program required.
If you identify something or someone with a negative trait (the cold conference room), switch it in your mind to a positive trait (the conference room with a great view).
Gratitude requires humility, which the dictionary defines as being “modest and respectful.” Explore where it fits in your life.
Give at least one compliment daily, whether directly to a person or by sharing your appreciation of something (“I love how quiet it is in the morning, don’t you?”).
When you find yourself in a bad situation ask: What can I learn? When I look back on this, without emotion, what will I be grateful for?
Vow to not complain, criticize, or gossip for a week. If you slip, rally your willpower and keep going. Notice how much energy you were spending on negative thoughts.
Sound genuinely happy to hear from the people who call you on the phone. Whether they respond with surprise or delight, they’ll feel valued.
Join a cause that’s important to you. Donate money, time, or talent. By getting involved, you’ll better appreciate the organization — and it will appreciate you more, too.