The Power or Gratitude
Written by: Dinelsa Morales, Ph.D, TFC, MSW Intern
For: Hispanic Family Counseling Inc. Newsletter November 2023 Edition
In recent years, a wave of research has been generated around the power of having an attitude of gratitude towards life. Numerous studies reveal that grateful people have more prosperous, happy and productive lives, but what does it mean to be grateful? The word "gratitude" has many meanings. In its etymological root, it can be evaluated as an action, as a feeling that is generated deep in experiences, and also a lifestyle. Many relate this word or action to a religious process, since the Bible refers many of its writings to this skill or attitude towards life as a process of inner healing and for the effective management of relationships.
Therefore, if there is so much talk about this power or ability, it is because it is something very important. According to the definition given to this skill by the United Nations, ‘The Science of Gratitude’, consists of "appreciating non-material aspects and the willingness to recognize the importance that others play in our emotional well-being." Therefore, we can say that having an attitude of gratitude towards life and others, allows us to transcend difficulties, creating in us a more assertive behavior towards life and relationships. A grateful person looks at and evaluates the negative, but does not allow it to hurt them. Rather uses it as another stepping stone for learning and to empower themselves towards what is ahead. Gratitude allows individuals to manage their emotions, preventing negative feelings from stagnating in a vicious cycle of pain, and help process the difficult moment and always find the white point (a benefit) in it. Gratitude heals hearts from pain, and drives human beings to be better every day and highlights their most sacred values.
For this reason, in this season that emphasizes the importance of being grateful, I believe that it is not only a time to meditate, but also to evaluate how we are putting this quality into practice in our lives, towards becoming a better human being putting into practice the Power of Gratitude as a goal to achieve in the future.