Bart Ross, Recovery Services Manager
What is gratitude? What’s the difference between being thankful and grateful?
Gratitude is the quality of being thankful with a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. It’s the action of showing appreciation. Thankfulness is a feeling. It’s the feeling of being pleased and relieved with no return action.
Selfishness and self-centeredness were the roots of our troubles.
This is why we should think about the question: Am I just thankful, or am I grateful? We can see that we’re grateful when the benefits show in our lives and the lives of others. Gratitude can be contagious. When we show our appreciation for something someone has done, they experience more gratitude. The more we express our gratitude, the more we get to be grateful for it. Health studies have found that when we feel grateful and express kindness, our brains flood with dopamine. We receive a natural high, which then motivates us to express more loving-kindness. Gratitude is a healthy craving you must not miss.
If you or a loved one need help, call our admissions team today at 561-841-1033.Here are some ways to remain grateful.
Do the practice found on page 86 of the Big Book every night. Write down five things for which you’re grateful. Ask yourself if others are benefiting as well from these same things. Tell others how much you appreciate them. Look for the good in people, rather than being judgmental of them. Practice meditation. Go for a walk and notice nature. Share your experience. Go the extra mile; don’t just do the minimum expected of you. Pray with gratitude. Call someone and ask them how they’re doing today. Look at life’s difficulties as an opportunity for growth.
Let’s learn from our own mistakes and help others to show our gratitude.
If sobriety became illegal today, would there be enough trace evidence to convict you? Have you touched someone’s heart? Has your sobriety added to the stream of life?
There are so many other ways to experience gratitude. Here’s one more way we can share some. Send me an email telling me how you experience gratitude: bross@originsrecovery.com. I hope your entire New Year is filled with tons of gratitude.
Hanley Center is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting recovery.
For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1033.
