Have an Attitude of Gratitude

by Renea Wood

Public Relations Manager, Sky Lakes Medical Center

Those who are close to me know that I tend to see the bright side of everything. I don’t do it on purpose, it’s just something I have always done. This is such a personality trait of mine that one of my close friends coined the phrase “Renea-isms,” for when I point out the good in any given situation. Albeit, not always appreciated by those close to me. Most notably when we were lost on Mount McLoughlin while navigating the descent, where I have been quoted as saying “don’t worry I know exactly where we are” and “those reflective eyes in the dark are just deer, you have no reason to worry." That being said, I do understand that sometimes you need to lean into discomfort and acknowledge what’s not working, the important thing is to not spend too much time there.

I’ve always been able to tell when my attitude is affecting my mental health, and it has usually been when I’ve spent too much time focusing on negativity. To get my self back on track I’ve found that I have to intentionally spend time reflecting on gratitude. I know I am not alone in this strategy. In fact, the famous 1970’s motivational speaker Zig Ziglar coined the catchy phrase, “Have an Attitude of Gratitude.” "Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for." -Zig Ziglar

It’s about choosing to appreciate things in life. It takes a bit of work but having an attitude of gratitude is one of the healthiest habits to cultivating a fulfilling and happy life. Give thanks every single day. Take the time to stop and appreciate life and all its beauty.

I know what you’re thinking. Come on Renea, everyday really? I know that is a heavy lift, so let’s start small, how was that cup of coffee this morning?

I also want to acknowledge that it can be really difficult to think of things you are grateful for when everything in your life seems to be going wrong. Countless studies show that for many people, finding a bit of thankfulness each day can actually increase happiness levels and decrease depression. By developing an Attitude of Gratitude, we can feel more fulfilled and joyful each day.

Did you know that being grateful improves our self-confidence, our self-esteem, and enhances our enjoyment of the present moment? That’s not just a Renea-ism. We can be grateful for every aspect of our life, including the parts that are going well and those that are not. Expand the positives, rather than dwelling on the negatives. Feeling grateful on a daily basis improves our positivity which can rub off on others we encounter.

An Attitude of Gratitude is a regular habit to express appreciation for all different parts of life, no matter how small. Life can be tragic or joyful, depending on whether you view the world from a lens of pessimism or optimism. Many factors contribute to people having a good life the same way as those who have a disastrous and struggling one. No matter what kind of life you’re living right now, one thing is for sure, if we shift focus on the positive, we can change our whole perspective. What are you grateful for?