Joy,
Gratitude, and Grace
“The
relationship between joy and gratitude was one of the most important things I
found in my research. I wasn’t expecting it. In my 12 years of research on
11,000 pieces of data, I did not interview one person who described themselves
as joyful, who did not actively practice gratitude…Practicing gratitude invites
joy into our lives.”
Brene
Brown (“Joy and Gratitude,” Global Leadership Network)
Professor
Brene Brown is one of the most influential voices of our time. She backs up
everything she says with research, and most of what she speaks and writes about
is what is necessary for us to feel happy. That is, which attitudes and choices
produce happiness in humans. She has written books about vulnerability, shame
resilience, the ability to reset by making different choices, and having the
courage to stand and lead even when you think you can’t. In other words, she
shows us what makes us unhappy, and how to change it.
Practicing
gratitude is one of those ways. I’m not talking about Hallmark gratitude, or
any kind of phony Pollyanna clap-trap about tripping the light-fantastic in the morning
sun while chanting “God is good.” The practice of gratitude is a simple
attitude of thankfulness when you wake up in the morning for another day on this
earth, and when you lie down at night for the comfort of a warm bed. Gratitude
for good sleep and a full belly, and the fact that all you have to do is turn a
faucet handle to have a hot bath. Gratitude that the lights come on with the
flip of a switch, and that your phone contains a list of friends you can call
when you’re lonely. Gratitude that the trees are showing off their autumn
wardrobe right in front of your eyes, and that the crows are still squawking away
outside your window.
It’s
the little things in life—the overlooked things that we just assume will always
be there—that offer opportunities to practice gratitude. Never mind that things
are rough at work right now, when you can sink into a tub of fragrant bubbles
and soak by candlelight. Whatever your children are doing that you wish they
wouldn’t, can be transformed by an audible story or some wonderful music on
your Bluetooth speakers. Identify any little loveliness that causes you to feel
delight and be thankful that your sensory system allows that enjoyment.
We don’t
have to be in a state of elevated excitement to feel grateful. There are a
million small, ordinary reasons. What is necessary is simply showing up for
your own life, paying attention to what you already have, and allowing yourself
to be vulnerable enough to experience grace. You are provided for, and nurtured
by, and loved because of grace, pure and simple. Practice gratitude for that.
In
the Spirit,
Jane
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