blogging, Mental Health, Motivational, Philosophy

Gratitude Finding Three Things

Forestwood

It is fairly well recognized that counting your blessings, as opposed to your burdens can have a huge impact on your psychological health.

Studies have demonstrated that showing gratitude for even the most basic things can have reduce depression and increase contentment.

How to Find Gratitude in life?

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

It turns what we have into enough and more.

It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.

It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

-Melody Beattie

We cannot travel to, own, earn, win or consume happiness, but we can find it in gratitude in our daily lives, as Albert Clarke said,

“We must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy.”

-Albert Clarke

Feeling Thankful

Many writers and philosophers considered thankfulness to be the highest form of thought, almost a spiritual experience. Acting thankful is something that inevitably leads to gratitude.

Buddha took this to an extreme.

Let us be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.

Buddha

Gratitude as a Daily Habit

Marc and Angel suggested making gratitude a daily habit by:

..intentionally identifying three things in your life you are grateful for. It could be as simple as feeling thankful for the clean water that comes out of your faucet or appreciating the cool breeze on a warm day.

List the things you feel grateful for over dinner, or make it a habit to identify what you’re thankful for before you go to bed. Over time, being thankful becomes like second nature, and you’ll experience benefits ranging from improved sleep to greater immunity.

Marc and Angel

Do you make gratitude a daily habit?

For me, feeling and showing gratitude can reset my mind from its daily worries, anxieties and concerns. Concerns that, at times, feel quite overwhelming.

Thinking of the things I am grateful fore, can help ground me, re-focusing my attention on what I do have, on what is around me.

Many aspects of my life are not ideal, are unfair and may never change. And yet, there is still so much I can be grateful for, even in circumstances not so ideal.

Could you identify three things you’re grateful for each and every day?

Published by Forestwood

A philosophic Aussie writes here at StPA, one who will readily admit to loving Scandinavia. I'm interested in global politics and what drives us to be who we are. Scratch the surface and you'll find a practical Environmentalist with an egalitarian bent, trying to unleash a little creativity via the written word. Scandinavian culture, literature and traditions are close to my heart, even though I'm Australian. Travel and courteous discussions greatly broaden the mind, so I travel if I can and am always up for a vigorous, respectful discussion. I'm an avid reader, a writer and I enjoy photography and crafts, particularly traditional art forms. I hope you'll find 'Something to Ponder About,' in my WordPress Community.

115 thoughts on “Gratitude Finding Three Things”

    1. A wonderful response, Ineke. The simple pleasures of being independent in our older age, close to family and having good general health. That is wealth indeed! And so much to be grateful for.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Good point, Donna. When you start to actively look for things to appreciate in one’s own life, there are more that may previously have been skimmed over or overlooked that suddenly come into focus. Regular practice develops into habits. Habits have the possibility to modify our own internal attitude towards life, which if positive potentially leads to feeling contented emotions.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. That is excellent to hear you are going to remind yourself to be even more aware of things to be grateful for, Peggy. It is a great way to reflect on the lovelier things that occurred during one’s day.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. You have done well, in the gratitude exercise, M-R. We don’t actually need lots of stuff and it is so heartening to hear that you really appreciate whete you are atm. Especially as I know that you have been through some difficult times emotionally.

      Liked by 3 people

    1. It is great to hear that you are practicing daily, Derrick and significant that you can see the folly of youth. For many of us it is or was the same experience. The attention in our younger years is egocentric and easily diverted to other things, absorbing the world around us without too much appreciation or gratitude. Gratitude may develop more along with aging, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to encourage it with daily practice. Well done!

      Liked by 3 people

    1. All admirable and beautiful things to be grateful for, Brian and no doubt makes you one happy bushboy!
      I am often amazed, momentarily, during those first few seconds after I wake up. To comprehend how our brains can put us into a sleep state and then involuntarily and reliably switch on again to wake ourselves up, when we’ve had enough rest is intriguing. Seeing a new day is something to be grateful for.

      Liked by 2 people

  11. Thank you for this timely post. Gratitude is a great virtue.
    I was running early in the morning today .the streets are empty, and quiet. In the cold I remembered murmuring a prayer of gratitude, just for being alive, moving, and not sick.
    The world has definitely changed, but then it gives us always reason to smile and stay positive.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Our own well being is so taken for granted in modern society that it is is only realized by some when it is taken away. Sometimes that is too late. We are rich beyond measure if we have good health and are pain free. Older people recognize this. And Covid has been a prod in that direction! Thanks for popping by. How are things Covid- “taming,” going in your part of the world?

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Yes, very true. I always thought nowadays that it´s ok that we don´t have much money, as long as we are all healthy. A trip to the hospital is too painful and the price of this stressful situation is more than we can bear. More than when we know that a loved-one is sick and we can´t be with them.
        Over us here is actually a rollercoaster ride..a week ago , the restrictions were relaxed and children went back to school, but then todays we entered another Lockdown , the 3rd wave have begun in Germany since the cases soars high.

        Everyday we are just grateful to be alive.Would you believe it, it´s almost a year!

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Hasn’t that passed by so fast? I am sorry to hear about the third wave. It must be extremely difficult with young children at home missing out on new social and learning experiences.
        Have the closed the borders? This I believe kept Australia safe.

        Liked by 2 people

  12. I like the Buddha quote. It’s how I view my life. As for your question about finding three things daily for which to be grateful, my answer is yes. Would that more people would do this!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Yes, Ally. It would be wonderful if we could mandate this practise for everyone’s general mental well-being! Some may scoff, but it can have real benefits in simply appreciating what has passed during one’s day.
      So you liked the Buddha’s quote. It is a simple and uncomplicated view of life, seeing the glass as half full. It could be seen as ridiculous or blunt, by some who feel it offers no practical problem solving help. But they miss the point that attitude is everything.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. These things you mention Keith, are fundamentally important to acknowledge and be grateful for. It is so heartening to read that you are in the vast majority of the commenters. My dear Father in law would sum it up so simply: “Health is wealth.”

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Fundamental and highly important. In fact, sometimes it is hard to not think of many more than three things. The more we do this, the better for our overall mental health. We practice at the gym for our bodies, forgetting that sometimes our minds need a stretch and exercise as well!

      Liked by 1 person

      2. I think it is one of the joys of bloggers to touch other readers Laurie. I myself do like that there is no geographical barriers to readers. They might be in deepest Africa, Alaska or Germany. Perhaps that is because I am in the antipodes myself?

        Liked by 2 people

    1. I think you are right, Dorothy. It is a learned skill. Younger folk are often egocentrically oriented. They do not realize the beauty and goodness that surrounds them, focusing instead on establishing themselves, or working out how they fit in with society. Gratitude can be powerful in terms of affecting our mood and enriching our daily lives.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I like that you are grateful for being geared towards being naturally grateful, Janis. Lol. Does that makes you doubly grateful? Then maybe double the benefits?
      Do you have trouble sleeping?

      Liked by 2 people

      4. I am a bit disinclined to use drugs to solve sleeping issues. The drugs are just a mask for the underlying issue and can give you side effects which might need countering with other drugs… not good. May I ask if your sleeping issues have exacerbated since menopause. It is okay if you don’t wish to answer as it is quite personal.
        I am getting better at using meditation in the middle of the night when all is quiet to get back into a dozy state. But when worries are intense, nothing much will work….

        Liked by 1 person

  18. It’s always good to be reminded that a glass half full attitude is healthy. Grateful today that we live high and dry amidst the rain, grateful for the rain because here it was getting very dry again and grateful that all of our extended family are safe and well too.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Grateful for the rain, yes indeed, Carol! Australians tend to complain if we have more than 2 days of rain in a row, yet it is the driest continent on earth, bar Antarctica, so we need every drop to take us through the dry seasons! Bring it on, I say, but prepare for flooding if you live in low lying areas. I hope you are up higher, Carol?

      Liked by 1 person

      2. Complaining about 2 days of rain must be a city thing. Here everyone is very grateful for the rain because we know it might not happen again for months. We have several friends on properties and they’re loving it.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. I am sure it is Carol. I don’t complain, however. I love the rain. Bring it on, I say. Just not anymore in the flooded areas, if I can be choosy with the weather gods!

        Liked by 2 people

  19. Another jaw-dropping, thought-provoking reflection, Amanda!
    I love the Melody Beattie quote, particularly “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” I’ve never quite thought of the overreaching effects backwards and forwards before; it’s been something I do to cherish the moment, the present, but considering that it could also impact the past, and the future – well.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Gratitude can be a timeless concept if applied to past, present or future, Ju-Lyn. I hope that this quote had prompted some more thoughts along this line. Melody Beattie’s quote was most poignant for me as well.

      Liked by 1 person

      2. We might often drift away from this practise but it is definitely worthwhile returning to it, if at no other time, when we are retiring for the evening. It is a nice reflection on the day, Ju-Lyn.

        Liked by 3 people

  20. Yes! I always think how lucky I am to have my health, a roof over my head and a family who are all well. The past year has made me realise more and more that I have everything that I need in life. Just hoping I don’t stay too much of a hermit!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thanks ever so much for your visit, Kathy. Particularly when the world is crazy or the weather wrecking havoc, (which seems to happen with more and more regularity), these quotes are an inspriation to look towards the light and the good that is happening and be grateful.

      Liked by 1 person

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  25. It all starts with the self. If you can refocus your mind to observe the many blessings that surround us each day, you will continue to be blessed in other ways. Thanks for a great read.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Really? I am very glad to hear that the words were comforting for you. It is one of the reasons why I am compelled to write. To spread awareness, knowledge and assist others to find information that is important to share. Where are you Sukada?

      Liked by 2 people

      3. Yes they are and they do it like every day. When they finish cooking they will make little offering from whatever they cook as the sense of grateful to God. Balinese is religious people actually.

        Liked by 2 people

    1. We do take a lot for granted Poorvi. I am glad that this post provoked some more analysis for you. I like this idea of revisiting the lovelier moments of the day when going to sleep. Feeling grateful for the good things is really beneficial and can change our brain chemistry for the better. I recommend it highly! Where in the world are you situated? I am in Australia.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. A mental upgrade? Wow in return. Love the terminology and flattered (and grateful) that you thought it so. It is quite magical I think in re-training one’s thought processes.
      Thanks for commenting and I will pop over and visit your blog. I am in Australia. Where in the world are you located?

      Liked by 2 people

      1. You’re welcome. I’m from South Africa. I’m fairly new to the blogging world. This past week I’ve learned so much already. So I’d really appreciate your visit to my blog. Thanks again. 😊

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Blogging is fun and can get a little addictive. But it is really rewarding in that you can learn so much and it is truly indepedent media. My suggestion is that if you are new, read lots of other blogs and comment on them. That way you will begin to build your own blogging community. Best wishes.

        Liked by 1 person

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  35. You know how I feel about gratitude. If I’m breathing and today I still am, I’m grateful. It’s that simple. When I die, I’ll be grateful for the opportunity to transition. I subscribed to Marc and Angel for so many years and love the Buddhist teachings among many others that remind us that no matter how tough things seem, there is a plan to it and we will see how gratitude for the not so good will play out in the end. I was grateful for sunshine today, to see a sweet baby 6 ft in front of us in line for a bakery sandwich and dessert and cute puppies playing in many places. I’m still breathing. 😉 It’s good to keep reminding us that gratitude is a prayer of thanks for the opportunity to experience material existence on this earth plane. Even a moment of it is a big deal. Keep it up. We forget.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. You provided yet another Marlene gem with your words: “.. gratitude is a prayer of thanks for the opportunity to experience material existence on this earth plane. Even a moment of it is a big deal.” Moments is something that I am talking about a little in my post today.
      And so it is Marlene – we can find gratitude for the most fundamental of things, grateful for the simple experience. It is harder to feel grateful for the lows, but feelings such as these means there could be a ‘method to the madness,’ and if we can preserve that rationalisation, it may put the hard times in perspective.
      We can and do forget to keep up that kind of attitude and might easily slip back into old habits. We are all flawed (?) in this way. Forgetfulness is however useful when it helps us to bury the difficult emotions so it has its uses. Trouble is sometime we forget the helpful thoughts and emotions too. I seem to need quite a bit of reminding! Especially as I get older. Lol!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. My daughter gets it in a big way. She is so grateful for the pandemic (not for people getting sick and dying) in that she has been able to work from home and this has shown her she works best this way and it will continue at least through the summer. She is working to seriously find ways to continue it. On the other hand, I’m learning the skill of having someone in the house 24/7 and adjusting to it again. 🙂 Everything has a reason, no matter how awful it seems in the moment. We just need to see with different eyes.

        Liked by 3 people

      2. If only we could be taught that from a young age. See things with different eyes and the value that philosophy has!
        I do like that the pandemic has forced workplaces to be more adaptable. It will help many of us work better and be in the home with young children more ( to an extent). For some extraverted folks, this could be really stressful and they miss the connections the workplace brings. It would be a fun world if we could offer workers the workplace that suits them best!
        Everything having a reason – yes we are back to our often chatted about glass half full concept! So nurturing to our souls.

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  40. A beautiful post. Thank you for writing this. Gratefulness is truly a great virtue and we should nurture it always. Feeling so positive right now after reading this. And the quotes you shared about gratitude are so amazing 🌼🌼

    Liked by 2 people

    1. “Showing gratitude for even the most basic things helps to ease depressive emotions,” is what I perhaps should have written to be more accurate. I am glad you knew the intention behind my words.”

      Like

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