>> Why We Have This Emotion
Gratitude builds stronger connections with others. It also tunes our internal reward systems to appreciate the things that we have, and not take those things for granted.
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Say thanks for specific things
- List gratitude items before bed
- Name the giver and the benefit
- Keep a list of what you're grateful for
- Tell someone “you matter because...”
- Share a win, and credit helpers
- Do a quiet favor for someone
Bad Ideas
- Keep your gratitude private
- Tell others to “just be grateful”
- Slide into Comparative Suffering
- Assume others know you're thankful
- Offer only generic thanks to others
- Feel guilty for having good things
- Expect a reward for all kind acts