With the 24/7 news cycle and social media constantly reminding us of all the bad things happening in the world, it can be tough to pull yourself out of depression or despair and acknowledge all the great things in your life. But being able to look outside of your situation and appreciate everything you have to be grateful for is an important skill to have. We call this an attitude of gratitude.
Yes, we’re well aware that the term “attitude of gratitude” might sound pretty cheesy, but you shouldn’t underestimate the power of gratitude! It can help you become more optimistic and feel better about your life, make you more resilient, and lead to significantly better mental health. The latter is especially important, considering it’s estimated that a quarter of American adults suffer from mental health problems, like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Mental health issues are even more widespread in the military, and it’s estimated that an average of 17 veterans take their own lives every day. As veterans ourselves, this is something we’re well aware of.
Despite all the nonsense and inconveniences in our world, you should still consider yourself lucky to see the sun come up. While it’s true that we may not all appreciate the hand we were dealt, it’s yours to fold or play, and what you accomplish in life speaks to how you see your situation. With an attitude of gratitude, you can accomplish so much more than you thought possible.
Getting to a better place mentally and, ultimately in life starts with daily gratitude. This could mean ending the day by thinking about all the things you were thankful for or appreciate, remembering to say “thank you” and express feelings of gratitude more often, or starting a journal. Find what works best for you.
While the power of gratitude shouldn’t be underestimated, we should note that the benefits take time. Effects aren’t immediate, and like most beneficial things in life, the benefits take time to accrue.
For more of our perspective on the power of gratitude and other tough aspects of life, head over to Soundcloud and listen to our podcast!
