Gratitude

I'm not sure if it's due to Thanksgiving, or Christmas getting closer, or a reactive approach to Black Friday but my social media streams have been big on the theme of gratitude this last week. I'm taking it as a sign from the universe and not willing to turn down the chance to give myself a superpower - why wouldn't I want to share it with you.

James Clear sets the scene.......a simple and daily habit of gratitude to allow your negativity flushed brain to have some positive light moments. This short article gives more on the impact of gratitude on the brain and the flow on positive effect on our physical health as well as our mental health. First time I wrote about gratitude I found a wonderful quote that basically implies practising gratitude will make you smarter.

This article from Forbes focuses on the connection with others and the positive impact this can have on teams in a work setting. Acknowledging your gratitude usually means referring to another person - and the connection that comes with that. This reminds us you are not alone - we are interdependent and we need one another.

While titled 'how gratitude can help your career" the article from HBR spoke to me about the balance of your strengths and weaknesses. The stuff you do and the stuff you wish you could do better, or more of. It's a uplifting article that reminds you to start with where you are and that is already a pretty good place.

Brené Brown's research found a connection between joy and gratitude and in this short video she shares this insight along with simple ways you can make a sense of gratitude a reality in your everyday.

Finally a challenge for us all wannabe Jedi's a 5 day Gratitude challenge from TED. I'm in if you are - let me know.