Written by: Anita Avedian, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
What is gratitude? Gratitude is more than a feeling or word that is loosely used; it is a belief and an action toward an appreciation of life. We often hear the word gratitude but do not embrace its benefits in our life. The real meaning of gratitude is to be thankful. How could the state of thankfulness change your life? Let’s make it simple, and gratitude can be extremely beneficial in helping us appreciate the simple yet beautiful elements of life, including its challenges and success. Life isn’t one-dimensional and gratitude helps us not to become stuck to one vantage point. Showing gratitude and practicing the act of being grateful has the power to impact moods, encourage changes in perspectives, and improve quality of life. Gratitude should be an integral part of daily life and will shine the light on the positive attributes life has to bring.
What happens when showing gratitude is difficult?
It is a normal human experience to dwell on negative occurrences that happen during our life, although positive experiences are happening all around us. Many individuals cling to negativity which can have an impact on decreasing hope and inspiration. Negativity has a way of consuming what it touches. Therefore, if we want a more fulfilled life, why do we focus on and magnify ungratefulness?
What can be done to break the cycle of latching on to negative aspects of life and finding gratitude to assist with positive and thankful views?
The practice of intentional gratitude is a vital tool for becoming aware and mindful. It is an instrument that can be used every day to stay present.
Tips for practicing intentional gratitude daily:
Define gratefulness for yourself
Decide how you would like to show gratefulness daily
Meditate or get quiet to contemplate
Identify and acknowledge who and what you are grateful for
Appreciate what you have by noticing the seemly small things
Examples:
I am grateful for the breath in my body.
I am grateful for the sun that lights the day.
I am grateful for the meal that gives me energy.
The best way to incorporate gratitude is to write a list of your reflections and say what you're grateful for out loud. It is an important practice to implement gratitude daily.
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Anita Avedian, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Anita Avedian is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (License # MFC 38403) and has been practicing psychotherapy since 1996. She is the Executive Director of Avedian Counseling Center and has offices in Sherman Oaks, Glendale, Woodland Hills, and Pasadena. Her specialties include working with relationships, anger, social anxiety, general anxiety, and addictions. She also has been certified in Thought Field Therapy (TFT) and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), both of which she integrates into her practice.
Outside of therapy, Anita offers a monthly anger management certification program to counselors. Anger Management Essentials is an approved National Anger Management Association (NAMA) model, which is used for anger management certification. Moreover, Anita is an Authorized NAMA Trainer and Anger Management Supervisor for certifying anger management specialists. She authored Anger Management Essentials, a workbook for aggression, which has been translated into Spanish, Armenian, and Hebrew, as well as the teen’s workbook which has been translated into Spanish. Anita is the co-Founder of ShrinkSync, the app for therapists; the California Chapter of the NAMA, which is the California Chapter of Anger Management Providers; and the Founder of Toastmasters for Mental Health Professionals.
