2. Give Gratitude
why gratitude? “We can only be said to be alivein
those moments when our hearts are conscious of our
treasures.” ~ Thornton Wilder “The deepest craving of human
nature is the need to be appreciated.” ~ William James “As
we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the
highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by
them.” ~ John F. Kennedy “At times our own light goes out and is
rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has
cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have
lighted the flame within us.” ~ Albert Schweitzer
3. Why gratitude?
0Giving gratitude shifts
our attention away
from the challenges
we face toward the
benefits we enjoy.
0Practicing awareness
of positive things in
life helps curb the
brain’s natural
tendency toward
looking for negatives.
4. Why gratitude?
Grateful people experience lower blood
pressure, better sleep, and generally
fewer complaints.
5. Why gratitude?
Gratitude…
0Generates social capital
0Keeps us emotionally connected to friends and
family
0Tames feelings of envy, regret, and bitterness,
all of which can lead to stress
0Increases productivity
0Improves decision-making
0Contributes to a positive culture
6. Take Action
Keep a weekly gratitude journal
0 List/Describe 5 things for
which you’re grateful each
week.
0 See each item as a gift and
savor it!
7. For Greatest Benefit…
0 Don’t let it become another task on your “to do” list.
0 It’s better to elaborate on fewer things for which
you’re grateful than to create a superficial list.
0 Reflect on what life would be like without a
particular blessing.
0 Consider happy surprises as they elicit stronger
emotions.
0 Don’t overdo it—start with a weekly journal, then
find the fit that works for you.
from researcher Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., the world’s leading scientific expert on gratitude. He is a professor of
psychology at the University of California, Davis, and the founding editor-in-chief of The Journal of Positive Psychology.
8. Learn more about the science
of gratitude…
http://bit.ly/leaderfitgratitude
