Today has been a relatively tiring day and another one at the end of which I have to think hard to recall what I’ve accomplished. Of course, I hasten to add that sometimes we measure accomplishments differently depending on the circumstances. Those of us who fall into the category of overachievers tend to think that accomplishments are measured in quantity and quality. We have to get a lot of things done and done well. Thankfully, I am a reforming overachiever and am developing new standards. In short, I am learning to let go a little.
Tonight I will share a simple gratitude or two as I am exceedingly tired. I am grateful for all that I am learning these days about gratitude. Gratitude is a hot topic–it has been for some time–and it shows no signs of slowing down. There are mental, emotional, physical and spiritual benefits to being grateful. The Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) at the University of California-Berkeley is launching a three-year, multimillion dollar project aimed at “Expanding the Science and Practice of Gratitude.” The GGSC website is loaded with numerous articles, resources, and book reviews on the subject of gratitude and on other related attributes, like generosity (another of my personal favorites). I plan to spend some time cruising the site and perusing the various blog posts and articles. I imagine it will be fascinating to learn more about the science of what I’ve been endeavoring to practice over the past several months. If there’s a way to get even better at being grateful, I’m all for it (I said I’m a reforming over achiever, not fully reformed yet!)
I am grateful for the day just past and for the week that is winding down. My daughter asked me this morning what are the first things I think about when I first wake up. I replied that often the first thing I think of is how I wish I weren’t awake yet. Then, I often have to remind myself what day it is. “Today is Thursday,” I tell myself, sometimes out loud. Not having a steady 8 to 5, Monday through Friday job means I sometimes forget what day of the week it is. Generally the second or third thing I think of and say aloud is, “Thank you God for this day.” And as I think about it, I believe it is a habit for me to thank God for the day. Habit yes, perfunctory, routine, insincere, definitely not. I begin each day–even those when I’m not feeling on an emotional even keel–with an expression of gratitude for the day ahead. And every night before I sleep I once again express gratitude for the day just past and recount specific elements of the day that I am most grateful for. As I begin researching more about the science and practice of gratitude I’m looking forward to learning more about the positive effects of practicing gratitude on a regular basis. It’s not why I do it–express gratitude–but it’s a nice side effect nonetheless.
So I’m grateful for gratitude and all of it’s benefits. I look forward to deliberately practicing gratitude several times a day in the weeks and months ahead. Who knows, perhaps I’ll even study and more intentionally record what I discover about the positive impacts of gratitude in my life. I’ll be sure to report some of my findings here. Until tomorrow, then!
© M. T. Chamblee, 2012
