In my brief moments of reflection (while soaking in the tub or sauna) I’m reading the book “The Progress Paradox” by Gregg Easterbrook. I’m finding the book a great source of reflection. As a result, I only read a small portion each night. The book makes me look at the world in a much more positive light.
In tonight’s reading, I learned that
“People who describe themselves as feeling grateful to others, and either to God or to creation in general, tend to have higher vitality and more optimism, suffer less stress, and experience fewer episodes of clinical depression than the population as a whole.” (page 238).
One exercise that is recommended is to write down (daily or weekly) what you are grateful for. This practice is said to help you keep things in perspective, and in general make you feel better about yourself and your place in the world.
So, what am I grateful for today …
- I am grateful that work is going well.
- I am grateful that I am almost ready for the training sessions I’m presenting next week.
- I am grateful that my husband loves me.
- I am grateful that I have friends.
- I am grateful that I am part of a supportive community.
- ….
It’s amazing how well that works at the end of the day. It certainly put a smile on my face (specially the things I’m grateful for that I will not post for everyone on the Internet to read!).
What are you grateful for?
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