-Written by Monte Hasz, M.Div, Psyd 

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – G.K. Chesterton

During holiday seasons we often are asked, “What are you thankful for?” And usually, we can come up with some quick, maybe superficial answer. But gratitude that changes us is accompanied by a sense of wonder. And for wonder to occur, we have to slow down and focus on gratitude and thanks, not just give a quick answer.

In the past few years research suggests that thanks and gratitude are qualities that can positively influence one’s life and even can provide health benefits. In addition, gratitude has been linked to better relationships, optimism, and a generally more positive outlook on life.

Stages of Gratitude

According to researcher Robert Emmons, there are two stages to the experience of gratitude. The first stage is simply recognizing the good things that are in one’s life. In doing this people often see the everyday things that are easily overlooked. The second stage of gratitude is to appreciate that some of these things come from outside of oneself. By doing this a person can be grateful for the source of these things.

Gratitude that brings wonder is not a single experience of identifying something to be thankful for. Rather, it’s a habit or way of living. So how does one develop this habit? There are numerous ways to work on a lifestyle of being grateful.

Applying Thankfulness in Your Life

The following are just a few exercises that a person can use to develop this habit and perspective.

Take a walk around the house. Notice the ordinary things that are often taken for granted. These can be flowers, a particular book, the view out a window, a pet, or anything else that grabs your attention. When you notice something, simply say out loud, “thanks.”

Write down a couple of the challenges that you have recently faced. List the things that you have learned, or the ways that you have grown, from these.

Take a slow walk outside. Pay attention to what you see, hear, feel, and smell. Notice how those things can create a sense of wonder.

These are just a few of the many ways a person can work on developing gratitude. They are simple and easy to do. They don’t seem particularly profound. But these small steps can help to develop a new perspective. And according to research, practicing gratitude can have a weighty impact on a person’s life.

If you would like to read more about gratitude and its effects on life, check out the following resources.

What is Gratitude and Why is it Important? by Courtney Ackerman

R.A. Emmons and M.E. McCullough (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of personality and social psychology,84(2), 377.

Remember, gratitude that is accompanied by wonder and changes us, it is not something that just happens. It’s a choice.

Monte Hasz, M.Div, PsyD works with couples and individual adults to help them tackle the hard things in life. If you or someone you love is interested in seeking out counseling help here in the South Denver Area, consider booking an appointment with Monte by calling 720.489.8555 or by contacting our general admin.