Activity: Connected Gratitude
Happy Thanksgiving!
This is always a fun holiday to celebrate, as well as a wonderful culturally built-in moment of reflection: what do we each have to be thankful in our lives? This is such an important practice, and one I encourage you to build into your lives as often as possible, for a single, important reason - YOU WILL BE HAPPIER. In fact, gratitude is one of the most consistent indicators of happiness, regardless of personal health, and across socioeconomic lines.
With this in mind, I’d like to propose a short activity for all of us to try tomorrow. As always - there’s no pressure, and this isn’t homework. It’s just a fun, short thought experiment intended to embed your gratitude and magnify your joy.
It’s this simple:
CONNECTED GRATITUDE
STEP 1: Write a list of five people for whom you are grateful. This could be a group of individuals, or a single person. It could be family member, spouse, friend, or colleague. The only criteria is that you are truly grateful for them, and how they have impacted your life. (PROTIP: Include yourself on this list!)
STEP 2: Write one (or more!) reason(s) you are grateful for each person listed above.
I’ll get you started with a few examples…
I’m grateful to:
1. My Partner, for...
Cherishing my mind, body, and spiritBravely communicating where no man has communicated beforeInspiring me to push myself when it comes to growing my business
2. My Clients, for...
Doing the hard & satisfying work of personal growth, and inviting me to participate!The privilege of your vulnerability & courageHelping me create an independent, flexible life by practicing my passion!
3. My Best Friends (you know who you are…), for...
Loving me through thick and thin, manLaughing with meKicking my ass when needed!
4. My Hilariously Modern Ladies Networking Group, for...
Creating a safe space where no question is too weird, silly or awkwardOffering massive support through the launch of Rowan Coaching!
BONUS ROUND!
Write a letter (or social post) to one of the people/groups on your list, and either give or send it to them before the week is out. Gratitude shared is happiness magnified!
Want to learn more?
Here are some great articles on the connection between gratitude and happiness. Happy learning!
Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier, Harvard Health Publications (Harvard Medical School)
How the Habit of Gratitude Leads to Happiness, Psychology Today
The Science of Gratitude: More Benefits Than Expected; 26 Studies and Counting, Happier Human
Eight Ways Gratitude Boosts Happiness, by Sonja Lyubomirsky
