Gratitude is recognizing and acknowledging the “bonus value” from good things and positive life experiences we did not actively work towards or ask for. Robert Emmons explains that gratitude has two key components. First, it is an affirmation that there are good things in the world. Second, it is a recognition that this goodness comes from outside of ourselves.
Gratitude may be elicited by a feeling of thanks for waking up on the right side of the dirt each morning. Or when we receive a generous gift. Or become grateful when someone is kind to us.
When we are grateful, it makes us more creative. Thus, we try to find a way to pay back or do something similar to others.
When we are grateful and have gratitude, there are positive consequences for overall health, work satisfaction, generally good mood, higher level of optimism, and overall life satisfaction. Furthermore, gratitude buffers against feelings of inadequacy, support peace of mind, and protect against depression in chronically ill patients. In addition, gratitude creates social bonds and skills for loving others.
Writer: Dr. Etepe Dugah