I’m so “greatful”

I often misspell the word “grateful.” I’ll text: I’m so “greatful.” I’m coming to see this as a freudian slip speaking to my unconscious belief about gratefulness — gratefulness comes from everything being GREAT. (Insert Tony the Tiger here…I’m Ggggrrrreat!).

This biased view of gratefulness misconstrues the concept. Gratefulness is about gratitude. Gratitude is the recognition of our dependence on that which is beyond us, not solely a thankful response to good things that are happening. 

It’s easy to feel thankful when life seems easy: the kids are happy, the marriage feels uncomplicated, the job is going well. But what to do when life falls apart? 

Paul seemingly sets an  impossible standard: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

Interestingly research has shown a practice of gratitude is protective. Those who struggle with depression find the dark cloud often eases with a consistent practice of writing down a short list of gratitudes daily (Sansone and Sansone, 2010). The health benefits of practicing gratitude are numerous and well documented. (https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/) Practicing gratitude alone is not a treatment or cure for depression, but one helpful piece in its management.

How has gratitude been protective?

What is on your list of things to be grateful for?