Gratitude

Focus on the Positives

With the current climate in the United States and around the world, it can be difficult to focus on the positives in our lives.  Our mind normally defaults to the negative things that occur in life.  How do we counter those negative thoughts?  This is done through the practice of gratitude. 

What exactly is Gratitude?  Per definition from Positive Psychology.com – Gratitude “is a positive emotion state of appreciation thankfulness, and recognition of goodness in life, often directed toward others for benefits received.” Normally, every negative thought requires at least three positive thoughts to counter it.

There are two types of Gratitude:

Interpersonal and Transpersonal.  Interpersonal gratitude is thankfulness for something that benefits oneself.  Transpersonal gratitude is for “appreciation for life, nature, or a higher power” (Positive Psychology 2026).

Gratitude can be practiced daily through several ways.  List three things you are grateful for and provide the reason you appreciate them. The key is to explain the “why?” because it helps engrain the purpose of being grateful for it.  Daily mediation or prayer is another way of practicing gratitude.  Daily meditation or prayer helps quiet the mind to focus on the positives of the day.  Another tool that can be practiced is mindful reflection during the day, especially when stressful moments interrupt your peace.  Through mindful reflection, you can reset the brain to help regulate your emotion by calming down the nervous system.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a modality to help reframe and restructure your thought patterns.  As your therapist, my goal is to teach you tools and provide a safe space for you to practice them.  If you are ready to begin your therapy journey, you can call and schedule an appointment with me or one of the other therapists available at Niche Counseling and Wellness.