Having An Attitude of Gratitude!

An Electronic Mental Health Newsletter from Joel I. Kimmel, Ph.D., P.A. & Associates                              Volume 18, Number 11

This Thanksgiving e-Letter is about the positive effects of gratitude. While often viewed as the same thing, expressing gratitude is more than just giving thanks.

Being thankful is a recognition of having received something beneficial. Having gratitude is the appreciation of something given or being done for you. This appreciation can lead to good feelings as well as a sense of humility.

People just feel better when they give or receive gratitude. It is one of the most common behaviors found in all value systems and demonstrates respect for others.

This month’s e-Letter provides information about the importance of having an Attitude of Gratitude during this holiday season.

Make sure to read Dr. Kimmel’s latest blog, Inspirational Gratitude Quotes , here.

We hope you find the enclosed information helpful and interesting. We also thank you for reading our e-Letters and for the numerous comments and messages of support we have received.

KimmelPsychology is available for anyone in need of support, counseling, professional coaching, and psychological assessments. We practice telehealth and safe, in-office visits. For an appointment, call us at 954 755-2885. Se Habla Español.

HAVING AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE!

“Thank you for your service” to military, police, and first responders has become an often-used phrase. However, first-hand knowledge as well as reports from patients who have received these thanks indicate that they truly appreciate these comments as it means a lot to them. This recognition gives them good feelings and awareness that what they do is important and that it is noticed rather than ignored.

Many, many people feel a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction when they donate to a charity and know that their contributions are going to a good cause. In fact, some of our patients will go to a grocery store, fill several bags of groceries, and drop them off at a local food bank. They report feeling great about being able to help others.

Research has shown that people who have gratitude feel more optimistic, have good experiences, improve their health, and build strong relationships. They have a greater sense of well-being, increased happiness, and lower levels of stress and depression. They cope better with life’s transitions, just feel better emotionally, and have closer, personal relationships. Life just seems to have greater meaning for them.

People with an attitude of gratitude also have better academic and work performance because of greater motivation to do the task. It improves relationships since showing gratitude to another makes them feel important. Having gratitude can help you sleep better, improve your immune system, benefit your heart, and decrease your stress.

The concept of gratitude has been endemic to many religions. People often thank nature, the universe, or a deity for something good that has happened to them or for just being alive. This appreciation can lead to good feelings as well as a sense of humility.

This year, before the Thanksgiving holiday, we suggest that you take the time to express gratitude to others. Your reward will be feeling better, a general sense of overall wellness, and improved relationships.

We offer the following information:

HAVING AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE!

Gratitude is one of the most powerful human emotions. Once expressed,                 it changes attitude, brightens outlook, and broadens our perspective                                                                            … Germany Kent

WHAT TO KNOW!

Thankfulness begins when entitlement ends; giving thanks is easy for some people but very difficult for others

Gratitude is more than thankfulness: it is a positive emotion and a deeper appreciation for something that has enriched our lives

Gratitude is the heartfelt appreciation of what a person finds valuable and meaningful in their lives

Grateful people tend to be less materialistic and appreciate experiences rather than material objects

People who are grateful tend to have a greater sense of well-being; they are happier, less stressed, less depressed, and more socially satisfied

Grateful people tend to have better coping skills, support others, be more self-accepting, and think more positively

Gratitude helps people connect to something larger than themselves such as nature, a higher power, or a divine force

Expressing gratitude is a selfless act; it lets others know that they are appreciated, and it also makes you feel better

Simple exercises such as saying thank you or making donations can develop and increase a personal sense of happiness

Having gratitude can lead to improved business and personal relationships, increased physical activity, increased positive feelings, and increased productivity

WHAT TO DO!

Assess yourself to determine whether you are grateful for what you have

Volunteer your time and talents to help others

Recognize the importance of others and appreciate them

Go out of your way to thank those who have shown you support and caring

Develop a habit of writing thank you letters/emails for what you’ve received

Maintain a gratitude journal listing the things you appreciate; read it often

Practice mindfulness & meditation by focusing on what you are thankful for

Seek professional help if you are unable to find or express gratitude

 
WE PRACTICE BOTH IN-OFFICE AND TELEHEALTH; WE CAN HELP!
Call us at 954 755-2885 or email us at [email protected]
                               Joel I. Kimmel, Ph.D. P.A. and Associates
                                5551 N University Drive, Suite 202
                                Coral Springs FL 33067

As always, we are interested in your thoughts. If you would like to respond to this e-Letter, email your comments to [email protected] and we will publish them next month.

Till December…

The information provided in this electronic newsletter is not a substitute for professional treatment. It is the opinions of the writers and is provided solely for educational purposes. For mental health care, seek a qualified professional.

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Copyright © 2024 by Joel I. Kimmel, Ph.D. P.A. and Associates.