I've been off social media for a while. A close family member needed support during a recent health issue, and I consequently reprioritised my work focus. I am thankful that starting my own business three years ago, after making the difficult decision to leave full-time employment, enabled me to take on the role of carer quickly when it was needed. I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to have been a support for a loved one, who has always been there when I needed it.
This situation has made me reflect on the concept of gratitude. In Western societies the concept of gratitude has lessened seemingly as wealth has increased (Oades and Passmore, 2014). However, evidence suggests that a focus on the positive aspects of work and life can lead to greater satisfaction, a reduction in stress and increased wellbeing (Passmore, 2023).
A tool that I find useful for practising gratitude is a gratitude journal, which is one of a range of tools from the positive psychology coaching approach. It's just writing down the things that I am grateful for on a regular basis. This can be as simple as the enjoyment I took from watching a fledgling bird hopping around the garden or the way the rainfall looks in a ray of sunshine, to more profound gratitude for the friends and family I have. I don't tend to journal every day, but thinking about what I am grateful for once a week or so helps me to appreciate what I have and also helps me to gain insights into what gives me joy. I can then use my time productively towards the things that create a feeling of happiness. I also find that the practice of journaling can help improve my recall and provides a sense of the value and uniqueness of each day.
It may only take a few minutes of your week, but try this simple tool and see how it can shift your mindset.
References
Oades, L. G. and Passmore, J. (2014). Positive psychology coaching. In: Passmore, J. (ed.) Mastery in coaching: a complete psychological toolkit for advanced coaching. London: Kogan Page, pp. 15-40.
Passmore, J. (2023). Gratitude. In: Passmore, J., Day, C., Flower, J., Grieve, M. and Jovanovic Moon, J. (eds.) Coaching Tools: A further123 coaching tools and techniques for executive coaches, team coaches, mentors and supervisors: Volume 3. Farringdon: Libri Publishing, pp. 68.