The Attitude of Gratitude: The Secret Benefits of being Grateful

On my Writing Desk – I have a rustic, hand-stenciled sign reminding me daily to Be Grateful.

Good morning to you.

Before we begin today’s topic, I wanted to share a comment and a question with you.  This past weekend, a friend asked this:

“Why on earth do you hop around from subject-to-subject?”

“You write about Teaching Toddlers one day…and the next day you’re adding to your Dyslexia Series….only to skip over to the topic of being a Mother of the Groom.”

Good Question.

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Well… let me explain, in case, this question was on your mind as well.

The initial impetus for beginning MWT Blog was simple.  I wanted to share my life lessons learned… to make your life easier.

It is my belief that readers lead multi-dimensional lives. Not single-issue lives.

To help new visitors navigate the comprehensive subject matter, I’ve categorized each post on the Home Page – column to the right.

My intentions are simple.

If a topic is important in your life, then I want to write about it.

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So with all of that said, I’m glad you’re back.  Ready to Read.

As promised, I have a very special surprise post just for you.

Ever since I began MWT blog, the topic of Gratitude has been on my heart.

But I hesitated writing about my Gratitude Board.  Why?  Because the majority of the people I know would most definitely roll their eyes at the mere thought of this!

Before you form an opinion, read on.  Then decide for yourself.

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Imagine having photos and souvenirs beautifully displayed – triggering thoughts of the good times and special moments.  A constant reminder of the best days of your life.

In my early biographical posts, I disclosed that there were some very unfortunate events which occurred over the past few years.  And in the middle of those not-so-good days, I read about Gratitude Boards. And I made one a couple of years ago.

It was a montage of goodness.  It redirected my thoughts from what is Wrong to – what is Right in my life.

So what’s on my board?

My favorite Mother’s Day card.  A sentimental email from my son.  A note from a close friend.  A program from a spectacular event we attended on our vacation.  A photo of a gift from my husband.  My New Address announcement card when we finally downsized and moved to a smaller lifestyle.  The receipt from a magazine purchased in the Birmingham Airport – which included my published article.  And so much more…many great mementos of treasured keepsakes all placed on a foam poster board prominently displayed.

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Instead of constantly wanting and wishing… for a new this or that… Gratitude brings into clear focus what we already have presently in our lives.

It’s about enjoying the here and now. Loving the journey.

There have been many studies on the positive effects of gratitude on health, both psychological and physiological.  Some scientists believe grateful people sleep better and have higher self-esteem.  An overall higher quality of life.

A few years back, a friend was dealing with some major medical issues.  Her physician told her to create a ‘Positive Imagery Board’…. A Gratitude Board with a different name.

He instructed her to assemble pictures of the 3 P’s in her life.

People. Places. Pets.

Photographs (which would evoke positive energy and emotions) were assembled as a composite pictorial of Reasons to be Happy.

Her medical doctor believed it would aid in my friend’s recovery.

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Consciously practicing an attitude of gratitude may seemed forced and fake.  Artificial at first. Contrived and Unnatural.  But with any new habit, it takes time and consistency to master.  You may need to strategically place a plaque on your desk – like I did – as a constant reminder.

I am grateful for many things in my life.

And please know this, I am grateful for My Written Thoughts and You.

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Tomorrow, I will continue my Dyslexia Series on Two Essential Websites every parent will want to know.