Part 5: "Positively Happy"

For this last stop, we will be discussing my favorite topic, which just so happens to be fitting for the Thanksgiving holiday….Gratitude and Appreciation

Definition

Appreciation: Thankful recognition

Gratitude: The quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful

Something to think about:

Do you appreciate yourself and the things that you have? How often do you thank or express your appreciation to your partner, not only when something nice is done, just in general? How often do you show others, family and friends, that you appreciate them and/or the things that they do? 

How does this fit into positivity and happiness?

It is so important for us to show our appreciation to others, especially the loved ones in our lives. But, before you can express your appreciation to others you need to be feeling good about yourself and your own life. It’s difficult to be happy for others if you are not happy with yourself. An effective way to help you move from a negative place to a more happy and positive frame of mind is to note to yourself the things you are grateful for. A wonderful way to help you do this is…………

The Gratitude Exercise:

Get yourself a journal, which will be your “gratitude journal”. At the end of your day, write down three things that went well during the day, ask yourself “why did this good thing happen.” Do this on a daily basis. Studies show that after a week of doing this exercise, participants had an increase in happiness and a decrease in depression.  

For Couples:

Here’s a great way to end the day; every night each of you state one thing you appreciate about the other!  

Now, go back to the top of this post, read those questions again. What do you think?

This will end our series of Positivity and Happiness….but this does not mean it is the last time I will be discussing it!!

My Thought:

This Thanksgiving, go around the dinner table and each of you
share what you are thankful for!

In the meantime, Keep Smiling and Have a Happy Thanksgiving!