Well, it happened. Despite my determination to remain positive and upbeat over a particularly daunting situation, I found myself with a sleepless night. Under most circumstances I can sleep well anywhere, anytime.
This time, in the middle of the night, I decided to go for gratitude instead of a an ice cream sundae laced with caramel. And indeed, I was able to turn the situation around — in my head– and went back to sleep.
By morning the situation was not resolved, but I found myself lingering in gratitude rather than anger. And I was doubly pleased that I had not reached for comfort food to further throw off my new attempt at shedding a few extra pounds.
From gratitude to happiness to love
The Journal of Happiness studies shows us that gratitude is an attitude more than a feeling. We can train ourselves to become more grateful people and happiness and love will be our reward.
We have seen how words affect decisions in advertising, the law, and politics.
Word power is based on research regarding “priming” in which a word is introduced into a set of instructions. The one word or image is introduced can often influence the outcome of a decision. It is most often used today with politics and political advertising.
For example there was an academic experiment in which students were asked to name their favorite detergent. But in one group, the word “ocean” was casually included in the instructions.
What was the most preferred detergent from that group? TIDE.
Now that you understand word power, just imagine how a simple word of gratitude can set the stage for a more positive day.
Your garden of joy
Think of a garden. When a seed is planted — if it is watered and the earth around it is tended and cared for, the seed will blossom. If the seed is a “thank you, it will plant a positive message within your mind.”
You can make today a chance to embrace gratitude.
But what if you started each day with gratitude? It could help your spirits soar.
Have a look at the research: Gratitude as an attitude | Rita Watson – Journalist
Copyright 2011 Rita Watson/ All Rights Reserved