An Atty-tude of Gratty-tude

Tags: Business, General,

I'm from Philadelphia. We have a slight accent and a major atty-tude. But it really doesn't take all that much to make our spirits soar. If one of our sports teams wins something (anything), we’re dragging ourselves up the Art Museum stairs on our knees. Gratitude comes easily for us. It’s a wonderful thing to behold, to feel, to acknowledge. We all pay it lip service (literally) on Thanksgiving Day, but we really ought to think more about making a steady diet of it year ‘round.

Greater minds than mine have been studying the idea of regularly “giving thanks” (a.k.a. gratitude or appreciation) to see if this emotional response contributes to a more meaningful life.

It does.

People who “live gratefully” on average give 20% more of their time and money to causes they feel are worthwhile.

The good news is that for every 10 years we live, we tend to become 5% more grateful for things, experiences and people.

Gratitude is good for our health. Being thankful for what we have reduces our chances of getting stress-related illnesses by 10% and lowers our blood pressure by 12%.

And if this is getting too “touchy-feely" for you, you’ll appreciate knowing that you could increase your income by almost 7% if you said “thank you” and “wow” just a little bit more each day.

Seven is a lucky number for grateful people. They’ll live that many years longer than their crusty, complaining peers (more prizes for us at the Bingo table!).

The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley—in collaboration with the University of California, Davis— is spending $5.6 million over 3-years to expand the scientific database of gratitude.

The goal of the study is to compile enough information to understand gratitude’s impact on overall quality of life in the hope of engaging the public in a larger cultural conversation about the role of gratitude in a civil society.

While we’re waiting for the results, we can run out to Target and spend $5.60 on a Gratitude Journal and start jotting down the things that make us grateful on a daily basis.

I know a lot of people who have started this practice and they highly recommend it. To get the hang of it, start small.

Example:

The water in my shower was hot.

There were three strawberries left in the refrigerator to put in my yogurt.

The police car hiding under the bridge (that I passed at warp speed on the expressway) did not come after me.

My son sent me a text that had four words in it.

On a day like Thanksgiving, our entries would probably be a bit less mundane.

Example:

All of the kids arrived home safely.

I’m so lucky to have my family with me to share this special day.

I miss those who won’t be with us this year, but am grateful for the happy memories that will be with me always.

The Eagles beat Dallas (or perhaps: The Eagles gave it their best shot…).

My friend Marie consciously starts out every note that she writes with the words, “Thank you.” Thank you for … your time…your counsel…your insight…your concern…your thoughtfulness….your friendship.

She’s one of the happiest people I know.

I’d like to end this blog with an atty-tude of gratty-tude for the chance to share my random thoughts week-after week with all my loyal readers.

Now start filling that journal with gratitude for every day.

Anita Alvare (bio)/Alvare Associates/610-520-6140

The Greater Good Science Center  Here’s My Chance