{"id":1101,"date":"2015-08-16T16:30:39","date_gmt":"2015-08-16T20:30:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cancerawarenessnews.com\/?p=1101"},"modified":"2015-09-14T20:26:17","modified_gmt":"2015-09-15T00:26:17","slug":"put-appreciation-and-gratitude-to-work-for-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/cancerawarenessnews.com\/put-appreciation-and-gratitude-to-work-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Put Appreciation and Gratitude to work for you."},"content":{"rendered":"

VIDEO: On Science and giving thanks is An Experiment in Gratitude<\/h3>\n

We do not feel like this list is all-encompassing by any means, but we do feel like it is a very powerful list that, when read slowly and thoroughly can completely change a person\u2019s outlook on life and the circumstances that they\u2019re dealing with on a day-to-day basis.
\n\u201cThe smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.\u201d ~ Oscar Wilde<\/p>\n

\"Thank-you-letter

We\u2019ve read the studies. We\u2019ve seen the gratitude challenges on Facebook. We know that being thankful is an objectively<\/p>\n

directly related to our level of happiness. Yet, when life throws us a curveball, being thankful is the first thing that goes out the window. We aren\u2019t hardwired to be
\ngrateful, so like any skill worth having, gratitude requires practice. Here are a few simple things you can do to cultivate a little more gratitude, no matter your\u00a0current circumstances.<\/p>\n

VIDEO and ARTICLE CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE BELOW<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1. GIVE AT LEAST ONE COMPLIMENT A DAY<\/p>\n

Having gratitude is all about slowing down and taking time to appreciate the little things. What better way to show this than by complimenting others? You\u2019re
\npracticing your observational skills as well as making someone else feel a little bit better (not to mention the residual good feelings you\u2019ll get). Win win win. Maybe
\ncomplimenting others isn\u2019t exactly your forte. You could start by inviting someone to appreciate something with you, for example, \u201cI love rainy days like today, don\u2019t
\nyou?\u201d Or for those with even less tolerance for others, try a simple, \u201chello.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. ASK YOURSELF THE RIGHT QUESTIONS<\/p>\n

Instead of \u201cwhy is this happening,\u201d ask, \u201cwhat can I learn?\u201d or, \u201cWhen I look back on this, what will I be thankful for?\u201d It\u2019s not easy, I know. Seeing my mom battle
\ncancer and get brain surgery seemed like a no-win situation. But, even in the midst of the struggle, I see how family has stepped up, and friends have stepped in. What
\nare you learning, right now?<\/p>\n

3. GET RID OF THE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS<\/p>\n

It\u2019s amazing how much or our minds, words, and emotions are grounded in negativity. Spend one whole week without complaining, gossiping or criticizing. Instead, use
\nthat space for kind words, uplifting thoughts, and positive emotions.<\/p>\n

4. CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY<\/p>\n

According to Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman, words literally can change your brain. In their book, Words Can Change Your Brain, \u201ca single word has the
\npower to influence the expression of genes that regulate physical and emotional stress.\u201d So think about what you\u2019re saying, take note of the words you use most often,
\nand work towards incorporating positive language into your life!<\/p>\n

5. REMEMBER<\/p>\n

Going through a rough patch, and feeling like you don\u2019t have anything to be thankful for right now? Look back and remember all of the people who shaped your life, or
\nthe little things that you enjoy. Who has influenced you, or given you a word of encouragement at the right time? Maybe you had an amazing teacher, or a coach that
\nreally believed in you and pushed you to be better. Have you had an amazing cup of coffee, or a life changing piece of cheesecake? Go back there and get another one,
\nand be thankful for the hand that prepared your food for you!<\/p>\n

6. WRITE THANK YOU NOTES<\/p>\n

Still thinking about all those people and things that shaped your life? Go ahead, write them a thank you note! According to a recent study, writing thank you notes
\nimprove our mood and general happiness. This study shows that you have two \u201cselves,\u201d the experiencing self, and the remembering self. Thank you notes address both of
\nthese selves, and contribute to over all life-satisfaction.<\/p>\n

7. GIVE BACK<\/p>\n

Sometimes when thinking about all the people who have made us stronger, better people, we get overwhelmed. No amount of cards or good deeds could possibly repay the
\ndebt we owe them. The best way to show someone who was a positive influence in your life, is to be a positive influence in someone else\u2019s life. Not sure where to
\nstart? Check out this awesome page of ideas!<\/p>\n

blog.thebreastcancersite.com<\/a><\/p>\n