Living Our Best Life With an Attitude of Gratitude
As one of the seven virtues, gratitude is described by Cicero as “not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others”. Gratitude involves a sense of thankfulness or appreciation for the goodness, kindness, and ‘gifts’ we’ve received from others. In many ways, gratitude helps us to move forward and to connect with others on a deeper, more meaningful level, particularly in times of challenge.
Given the complexities faced by patients, families, staff, and providers in the world of geriatrics and long-term care, particularly over the past few years, gratitude practices can play a significant role in helping contribute to a sense of wellbeing. It can also be a gift we give both ourselves and others.
Why bother to consider gratitude at all?
Dr. Robert Emmons, the world’s leading scientific expert on the topic of gratitude and professor of psychology at U.C. Davis comments on the importance and benefits of gratitude. Dr. Emmons describes four basic functions of gratitude: 1.) It allows us to celebrate the present, 2.) It blocks negative emotions, 3.) It fosters more resilience to stress, and 4.) It strengthens social ties and self-worth. For a more detailed description of these factors, see Dr. Emmons’ four minute overview of this material in the following YouTube video: https://youtu.be/aRV8AhCntXc
By and large, grateful people are happy people. Gratitude can build over time and practicing gratitude can have long lasting effects. Here are some ways to practice:
- Practice rituals such as starting a gratitude journal or intentionally setting aside space throughout your day to reflect on something positive.
- Say what you’re grateful for out loud. This can be more impactful than simply thinking it.
- Notice the good things: Nature, a memory, something to look forward to, a friend or family member, or a positive quality about yourself.
- Share your gratitude for somebody else by thanking them for something specific (even if it’s a stranger!).
- Mindful Meditation: Reflect on feelings of appreciation, such as for a family member, having nice weather, or simply a cup of coffee.
In considering gratitude and its impact in our lives, the Greater Good Science Center has created an anonymous, online quiz. This 20 item, multiple choice measure is based on appreciation research conducted by Mitchel G. Adler and N. S. Fagley (2005). Once completed, results and feedback are provided immediately online and can be saved or deleted. To access the quiz, click on this link: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take_quiz/gratitude
Aside from the online quiz, Berkeley’s Center for Greater Good https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/gratitude includes gratitude as one of the most important components of wellbeing and provides a wealth of fascinating information, research, and diverse resources. These resources include podcasts, videos, and suggested book titles and activities. One of the best aspects of this resource is that it is completely free, although donations can be given within the website. You can also check out Headspace’s gratitude meditation video for even more information.
As a Wellness Committee, it is our hope that CALTCM members and friends will spend a few minutes reflecting on the role of gratitude in our lives and identify strategies to strengthen an “attitude of gratitude” in moving forward.
Remember that Gratitude is a mindset which sees both growth and benefits over time.
CALTCM Wellness Committee:
Patricia Latham Bach, PsyD, RN; Janice Hoffman-Simen, Pharm.D., EdD, APh, BCGP, FASCP; Torna Li, PsyD; and Shruti Patel, Pharm D
References
Adler, M. G., & Fagley, N. S. (2005) “Appreciation: Individual Differences in Finding Value and Meaning as a Unique Predictor of Subjective Well‐Being.” Journal of Personality, 73(1), 79-114.