_edited.png)
Gratitude-Looking for Goodness
- Dec 28, 2022
- 2 min read
Discovering Gratitude and the Power of Connecting with Goodness
Robert Emmons, a Professor at the University of California, Davis, defines gratitude as “the recognition of good things in the world and acknowledgement that these gifts come from sources outside of ourselves.” Practicing gratitude has been scientifically proven to bring many benefits, such as positive emotions, better health, stronger relationships, and greater life satisfaction. If you are a recovered addict looking to practice gratitude more intentionally in your daily life, one way to do so is by connecting with moments of goodness and recognizing their source.
The Benefits of Gratitude Practice
Studies have shown that those who regularly practice gratitude experience greater happiness than those who do not. It has also been found that people who practice gratitude experience improved physical health because they take better care of themselves and make healthier lifestyle choices. In addition, grateful people often report having more fulfilling relationships because they can recognize how their relationships contribute positively to their lives and are more generous in their interactions with others. Finally, since practicing gratitude helps us to recognize our blessings rather than focusing on our deficits, we often find greater satisfaction with our lives overall when we adopt an attitude of thanksgiving.
Connecting with Goodness
To gain the full benefit from practicing gratitude, we must connect with the goodness in our lives on a deeper level. This means recognizing not only what we have but where it comes from. When you look back on any recent moment during which you experienced goodness or joy—whether it be a time spent laughing with friends or family members or simply feeling contentment throughout your body—it is essential to identify how you were blessed and by whom. This practice allows us to tap into a sense of thankfulness beyond simply being aware that “good things happen” and to appreciate the specific individuals who bring light into our lives through their presence and actions. Practicing gratitude can help us build stronger relationships while increasing happiness and life satisfaction. For recovering addicts especially, this kind of intentional appreciation can help foster resilience against relapse while inviting the positivity necessary for long-term sobriety maintenance. One way to ensure that we get the most out of our gratitude practices is by taking time each day to connect with moments of goodness and acknowledge their source—be it another person or even ourselves! Doing so can open up new pathways toward living a truly fulfilling life filled with love and appreciation for all its gifts!
FreedomHour will refine your gratitude to make it so powerful you won't believe the change. Join today.
Comentários