Gratitude is linked to joy

Research shows a gratitude practice is linked to joy. We humans have a negativity bias, which means we are wired to focus on that bad stuff: pain, discomfort, and problems. If we just let the bias run, we will focus on the problems of our lives, including what we don’t have that we wish we did. I’ve been there just as often as anyone else - getting sucked into a dark hole of looking around my life with the negativity bias and seeing all I lack: the house and renovations I saw at my friend’s place, the wardrobe from Pinterest, the sex life I read about in a book, the vacations on Instagram, the car in my work parking lot, the energy I imagine other moms have, the discipline of my husband, etc. I feel bad just typing out the list! But I know I’m not alone, because we (in our country of privilege and abundance) could always have more. So we could always feel lacking. Blech. We can’t feel joy from inside that dark hole!

We need the intentional practice of looking around with gratitude at what we have - right here, right now.

Here are some from my list on this day of Thanks-Giving.

I am grateful for the changes I’ve been able to make in my career, and grateful I’ve had the courage to be authentic.

I am grateful for the abundant food, and grateful we created the festive meal as a family and community.

I am grateful we are together, in person.

I am grateful for our health and the healthy parts we have today among our family members.

I am grateful for the wisdom and perspective that passes among generations when we are together.

I am grateful to the animals who gave their lives that we might be nourished.

I am grateful for the laughter, song, and dance.

I am grateful our family values movement, and incorporates movement into our celebrations.

I am grateful to spend time outdoors as part of our celebrations.

I am grateful to have the access to travel, to be together.

I am grateful to be aware of my needs and create space for myself to take some quiet time / alone time.

I am grateful to witness my children growing and developing their own relationships with family.

I am grateful to witness resilience in the face of challenges.

I am grateful to be present with the tastes, textures, and aromas of the meal.

What are you grateful for today?

I hope everyone has a grateful and joyful Thanksgiving!

Further Reading

Brown, B. (2010). The gifts of imperfection: Let go of who you think you're supposed to be and embrace who you are. Hazelden Publishing. 

Bstan-ʼdzin-rgya-mtsho, Tutu, D., & Abrams, D. C. (2016). The book of joy: Lasting happiness in a changing world. Avery.