Gratitude is a "Fertiliser for well-being"

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Gratitude Exercises


"Giving gratitude is something we can develop and make an automatic part of our day. Here are two evidenced-based gratitude exercises that have been proven by Seligman, Emmons and other researchers to enhance psychological well-being, social ties and life satisfaction.






1. Gratitude Journal: For two weeks, write down each day several things you are truly grateful for and explain why in your own person journal.






2. Gratitude Gift. Identify someone in your life you truly value that has contributed to your life success in some way. This person can be a family member, friend, teacher, or another person who has touched you in a positive and significant way and whom you have not probably acknowledged in a heart felt manner. Write a letter to this person describing what they have done to influence your life and why–mail it or deliver it in person.






Perhaps we can all make a step towards making our lives and those around us a bit better by first giving gratitude for what we do have….as Victor Frankl once said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves”…..Be well…."


Technorati Tags: gratitude, altruism, positive psychology, pay it forward, Martin Seligman, Robert Emmons, gratitude giving, positive affect, emotions, envisia, envisia learning, kenneth nowack, ken nowack, nowack




1.Seligman, M., P, Steen, T., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive psychology progress: Empirical validation of interventions. American Psychologist, 60(5), 410-421 [↩]


2.Emmons, R.A., & McCullough, M.E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: Experimental studies of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84, 377-38
 
 
Live Well!
 
Marie Joshua
 
Wellness Practitioner & Psychological Counsellor. 

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