“The more gratefully we fix our minds on the Supreme when good things come to us, the more good things we will receive.” – Wallace Wattles
1) Gratitude Connects You With the Divine
Gratitude is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. Gratitude actually connects us with the creative power of the Source. Wallace Wattles, in his book, “The Science of Getting Rich” (it’s one of the greatest self-help books ever written – you can get it here for free along with 21 other transformational books) said this about gratitude:
“You cannot exercise much power without gratitude because it is gratitude that keeps you connected with power. The creative power within us makes us into the image of that to which we give our attention. The grateful mind is constantly fixed upon the best, therefore it will receive the best.”
2) Gratitude Brings More Good Things to You
Gratitude is so vitally important, Wattles said it is a predictable and repeatable law of the universe:
“There is a law of gratitude, and if you are to get the results you seek, it is absolutely necessary that you should observe this law.”
Wattles goes on to say:
“The law of gratitude is the natural principle that action and reaction are always equal and in opposite directions.”
In other words, when you live in gratitude, you are given more to be grateful for:
“Gratitude will lead your mind out along the ways by which things come.”
3) Gratitude Makes You Happier
Research has shown that we can actively choose to practice gratitude, and in so doing our happiness increases. In this 2003 study, researchers randomly assigned one group of study participants to keep a short weekly list of the things they were grateful for, while having two other groups list negative or neutral events. Ten weeks later, the first group was significantly happier than the others.
Other studies have shown the same pattern and have come to the same conclusion. If you want to be happy, choose to be thankful. It’s that simple.
4) Gratitude Makes the People Around You Happier
In addition to increasing our own happiness, choosing gratitude can also bring out the best in those around us according to this 2011 study. Think of gratitude as contagious, and try to spread it around as much as you can.
Think about how you feel when you’re around a really grateful person. It’s uplifting, isn’t it?
5. Gratitude Makes People Like Us
Gratitude makes us nicer, more trusting, more social, and more appreciative. As a result, it helps us make more friends, deepen our existing relationships, and even improve our marriage. (See: Why Gratitude Enhances Well-Being: What We Need to Know)
Cultivate Your Gratitude by Keeping a Gratitude Journal
One of the best ways you can increase your gratitude is by keeping a journal of the things for which you are grateful. Grab a notebook, and at the end of each day, write down at least 10 things you feel grateful for over the last 24 hours.
When you do so, be sure to connect to the heart-felt feelings of gratitude. Really engage your emotions in this process.
Be sure to include at least a few things you are grateful to YOURSELF for: how you’ve handled your day, positive actions taken, things you’ve done to care for yourself like exercise and healthy eating, kindness towards others, etc.
By doing so, you will not only be happier, you will attract more in your life to happy about. It’s a wonderful, circular process.
MUST SEE: Watch This Stunningly Beautiful TED Talk by Louie Schwartzberg on Gratitude
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Be Grateful for Life Itself
It’s not too difficult to give thanks for the blessings in our lives. In the song Hallelujah, songwriter Leonard Cohen takes thankfulness to another level, suggesting that we should be grateful not only for our blessings, but for ALL of our experiences in life (good, bad, happy, and sad). Read more (and watch 4 breathtaking renditions of Hallelujah): Why Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” Is The Ultimate Thanksgiving Song (You’ll Be Amazed By Its Meaning!)
I am incredibly thankful for you visiting CLN and reading especially for reading this article. Please share with friends and family.
Ross Pittman
CLN Editor
