I was trying to come up with a magical, all-encompassing word and I finally settled on gratitude. I think it requires practice in order to make feelings of gratitude a habit. It definitely isn't always my first thought in any given situation, particularly in negative ones.
But gratitude actually has a ton of benefits. It's a positivity magnet, allowing me to see the glass as half full; to find the silver lining. It's a mood lifter that can bring me up when I'm feeling down. Gratitude allows me to extract more out of life; to value each day and make the most of it. Of course, by increasing positivity, gratitude cuts down on negativity. It leaves no room for those deadly qualities of envy, greed, and comparison.
Expressing gratitude can undoubtedly improve relationships. I'm talking about going beyond the social convention of the polite "thank you" that I learned as a child (although that's important too) and really telling someone how much I appreciate them for their contributions, their talents and their actions--and just for being THEM. It promotes feelings of mutual cooperation and support besides making a huge difference in their day... and mine.
Once I'm focusing on what I have rather than what I don't have, and what's going right for me rather than what's wrong, I'll be able to move beyond myself more often. It's at this point that gratitude fosters generosity and benevolence. Charity and volunteering are activities I value and always want to do more often.
When I think about gratitude in these terms, it's a practice that's equally as beneficial to the person expressing it as the recipient. Perhaps moreso. Gratitude is definitely a habit I'd like to cultivate in 2012.
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