by Priscilla Hunt, CRCC
Priscilla is a Faculty Member of the Online Relationship Academy
In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.
Gratitude can play a crucial role in managing our mental health and strengthening our relationships. Don’t let stress and anxiety steal the joy from your day-to-day life. Instead, count your blessings.
In the midst of this stressful time, I’m grateful for:
- life
- my health
- my husband
- my family
But, who isn’t grateful for those things? I need to dig a little deeper. . .
I’m grateful for food. We’re avoiding the grocery store these days, so I’ve decided to embark on the adventure of using what we have in the freezer and fixing meals without all the “proper” ingredients. It’ll be nice to inventory what food we actually have on-hand and to really create meals.
My mother kept six hungry bellies fed on a shoestring budget. I never saw her use a recipe – she’d grab something from the freezer and see what she could put with it to make a meal. Canned peaches with grated cheddar and a dollop of mayo? Yes, please! Canned asparagus with a dollop of mayo? Bring it! She was ingenious and creative. I have some of her DNA – and, of course, a jar of mayonnaise.
I’m grateful for having grown up on a ranch in Texas. I learned to be adventuresome and self-sufficient. I didn’t need extracurricular activities or play dates – I had horses and sheep and cows and a vivid imagination. I learned to love the out-of-doors. Camping, hiking, pulling weeds – just get me outside where I can fill my lungs with fresh air and feel the warmth of the sun on my face.
I’m grateful for couples who care about their relationships. Who treat each other with respect. Who don’t throw each other under the bus. Who don’t take themselves too seriously. I love hanging out with those couples. It encourages and inspires me.
And, of course, I’m grateful for Greg. Growing up in an alcoholic, abusive home, I’ve had my baggage to work through. Greg has been there with me and for me every step of the way, encouraging me, supporting me, accepting me, and loving me. Who knows who or what I would have become without his steady, constant love.
What are some things you’re grateful for today?
How about sharing them with your-someone-special?