Source/Credit: oprah.com
Are you searching to reach the next phase in life -- a new job, a new house, a life partner, starting a family? Certainly, we all have that list of things we hope to get or have. As life passes by, the road we are on, however, will not look exactly like a friend's path or a close relative's path.
We ought to recognize how each of our paths is uniquely blessed. In turn, how can appreciation of our blessings increase satisfaction?
Let's see how gratitude can boost your satisfaction.
1. Gratitude can remind you of the positive aspects in your life. Have loved ones in your life? Keep them close. Have a good relationship with yourself? Cherish the self-love. Are you able to donate your money, time or other goods? Learn to appreciate the blessing of being able to give to others. We might all be able to use a reminder of what's going well for us when we don't feel satisfied or happy or when that next opportunity seemingly passes by. Too soon we forget the positives in our lives. Hopefully, with the right amount of reflection, we can recall those positive aspects.
2. Gratitude puts things in perspective. If things are difficult, being grateful makes difficulty feel seemingly less. Sure you might be blue, but look at all the wonderful things that happened to you! Perhaps you got a compliment, made someone laugh or smile, got recognition for your work or were able to get a good night's sleep. No matter the difficulty, such wonderful moments happen to us, and we may not even realize it. Reminding ourselves of how the ups outweigh the downs to our day can help put things in perspective. Try writing your grateful thoughts down if you think that will help boost your mood or outlook.
3. Gratitude can make us forget our concerns and worries. When we actively treasure positive life moments, there's less time or room in our minds for other negative feelings. Sadness, frustration or difficulty can become trivial. While working hard each day is important in spite of whatever difficulty, being grateful for our strengths and abilities can make our professional jobs or social lives seem less of an uphill battle and more of a blessing in disguise.
Practicing gratitude daily or frequently is key, however, to lasting satisfaction. In turn, a positive and satisfied attitude can help smooth the bumps of lost jobs, tough relationships, financial strain or other difficulty that we may encounter.
So, with the right amount of regular gratitude, satisfaction can fall in the palm of your hands. Discussing with friends and family who care about your well-being can be a great start to figuring out those blessings! Count them and remember the proverbial saying of how great things come to those who wait.