Just read a book, Thanks: How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier by Robert A Emmons. Though there's quite alot of religious overtures for a strictly theoretical discussion, it has a very interesting point: That being grateful can really increase the amount of happiness one has in life.
According to the book, people generally have a set point of happiness that's decided at birth. If you're a generally sad person, even when you win the lottery and marry the most wonderful person, pretty soon, you'll ADAPT and get back to your set point of happiness. Ditto for vice versa ;) But apparently, if you exercise gratitude, you adjust that set point of happiness higher, and STAY happier even with adaptation.
There have been many instances that instead of showing gratitude, I complain and nit-pick, "in the name of progress", so that things can be better. If somebody cooks for me, I comment on the food quality, instead of appreciating the effort spent on the food-making process. If someone provides me with assistance, I am thankful, but sometimes it's more procedural rather than sincere, and worse, I discount the effort and think that it's supposed to be part of their job.
Also, alot of people and cultures dislike practicing gratitude as it can be viewed as indebtitude. I can empathize with that concept; Some rather owe no one, and achieve independent living, than count on the favor of others. I have encountered so many people like that in the course of my life...
Anyway, I'm going to try to practice what I've read, and see how it will impact me. The best recommendation of the book is to start a gratitude journal, detailing daily of the things I'm grateful for. Going to be kinda private so won't be written here. ;)
Alrighty, I'm grateful to those who have spent the time reading my thoughts. Thanks!
3 comments:
haha i didn't read the book, but i happened to be thinking about the same topic. I actually had a draft post - "grapeful is grateful" :)
thanks for your support and encouragement on the ongoing Search! it's made plodding on easier.
One can be grateful for many things in life but at the same time, give yourself credit when you worked your ass off it most of the time.
Wish you the best, friend!
grapeful,
you're welcome! It's amazing how you have found your purpose, your calling in life, and can target your way there, fighting through all the obstacles, man-made and geographical!!
I'm still searching for that calling, and once I *finally* find it, I can only hope I have your perseverance in chasing after it. :)
Anon,
Well said! Both parts must be in equilibrium, else one would either 1) sit and wait for others to do your work, or 2) be so arrogant as to think that everything is due to oneself and not others. I realized that I've tipped from one side to the other from time to time, so hopefully I can reach that balancing point.
Hope everything is going well for you too :)
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