The “Super” Emotion: Gratitude

appreciation emotion gratitude super emotion Dec 21, 2018

We’ve all heard of superfoods but what about super emotions?  It turns out that gratitude might just be that emotion… and the best bit, it’s incredibly easy to cultivate.
 
Gratitude is about expressing appreciation for what one has, as opposed to what one wants. Here are just a few of the scientifically proven benefits of gratitude:

What better time to put it into practice than the end of the year in the form of a gratitude letter.  Writing a letter of gratitude to someone that made a difference in your life will bring out the strongest positive emotions within you and the person to which you’re writing. It's a win win.


This simple gratitude tool is my gift to you.
 
Start by thinking about someone who has that has done or said something (tangible or intangible) that made a difference in your life over the past year.  
 

  1. Write as though you are addressing this person directly, ie. “Dear ______.”
  2. Don’t worry about perfect grammar or spelling.
  3. Describe in specific terms what this person did, why you are grateful to this person, and how this person’s behavior affected your life. Try to be as concrete as possible.
  4. Describe what you are doing in your life now and how you often remember his or her efforts.
  5. Try to keep your letter to roughly one page (approximately 300 words).

 
Just doing this will flood your body with positive emotions.  Even better is delivering this letter to the person you are grateful to.  Old fashion post is such a treat these days, but an email or message via social media is just as good.  
 
Recently, I sent a gratitude letter to Michelle McQuaid via Linkedin.  I’m including the sample below so you can see how simple your letter can be.

 

Hi Michelle, I just saw a post from you in my feed and wanted to connect. You may not remember - I emailed you ages ago (it's got to be over 5 years ago) after I saw you interviewed and was inspired me to introduce a strengths based program at my work, and get your advice on where to study positive psychology.  I was in NYC at the time.  Well, a lot has changed.  I complete a certificate in applied positive psychology, moved back to Australia, wrote a book and, while I still do brand strategy consulting, I'm also speaking and training around empowerment, growth and becoming stress positive.  I love it!! As a token of gratitude for your positive energy and influence I'd love to send you a copy of my book. Can you please let me know the best place to send it?  Many thanks, Alison.

 

I had absolutely zero expectations of Michelle, other than hoping she would send me her address, however she invited me to be on her Podcast, Making Positive Psychology Work, giving me the opportunity to share some of my recent work.  What an honour.  
 
This is truly the power of gratitude at work.
 
As I sign off for 2018, I’d like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for you!

Wishing you a wonderful festive season and all the best for 2019.

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