Gratitude is an emotion and personality trait. As an emotion, it is the happiness and fulfillment one feels by exercising their resolution to look at things positively and wholly and enjoy their life and whatever it offers. As a personality trait, it can be understood as the habit of appreciation of life, both the animate and inanimate aspects, and taking in whatever experiences it has to offer.
Therefore, it is safe to say that the terms, ‘ gratitude and appreciation go hand-in-hand but there are some situations where they do not complement each other well. For example, looking back at a heartbreak or a bad day at work or a fight with a friend you might be able to differentiate that the outcome and the process, either one of those was not so likeable and off-putting but the other one taught you something about yourself or your friend or about the greater truths of life.
Therefore, looking back you will express your gratitude for that incident for teaching you a virtue but wouldn’t appreciate it for the sour way the events took place. Knowing the difference is also a hidden gift your mind gets!
What happens when we ‘feel’ and ‘express’
I am going to talk about 10 aspects of gratitude and appreciation we all experience. These aspects not only affect us but also have a positive impact on others around us.
The ‘feel’ aspect is the personal gain— to your mind, soul, and body. The ‘express’ aspect goes out to the people you surround yourself with.
Here are 5 points explaining aspects of gratitude -
Trust
Expressing genuine gratefulness and heartfelt appreciation builds the foundation for trust between you and the people you surround yourself with. Letting them know that their actions have been carried out for the positive and made you feel good makes them feel productive and content. Also, healthy and honest criticisms are a way of expressing appreciation where you let them know, how and why something has offended or hurt you. This way they know what to avoid, thus avoiding any mishaps in the future.
Motivation
Letting the other person know that their intention was communicated through and received well even with the presence of some criticism motivates them to do good and makes them more compassionate and empathetic. It helps them express themselves more freely and also makes them feel appreciated and liked.
Support System
Having a network of good, kind, intelligent, positive, and motivating people is very important for self-growth and the growth of a community. Expressing appreciation for such qualities by the way of a hug or a thoughtful gift is essential and a much-respected way of strengthening relations and letting the other person know that you will be there for them if and when needed.
Respect
Feeling of mutual respect where boundaries, likes, and dislikes and diversity is accepted and kept in mind is a very strong foundation to build a community upon. Your expression of affection for someone’s values or habits or actions can go a long way and communicate the feeling of esteem and cohesion for the existence of a healthy environment.
Communication
This point is a reiteration and talks about the importance of healthy and clear lines of communication in a community. Participating in community events, celebrating each others’ festivities, traditions, and any other small achievement not only encompasses all the aspects already mentioned but also ensures overall growth. The collective attempt at celebrating, mourning, lending a helping hand, and essentially just being there for each other and growing together with the mutual feeling of gratefulness and appreciation for diversity ensures harmony and peace.
Why is it important?
Gratitude encompasses the profound connection between personal growth and our ability to appreciate and acknowledge the blessings in our lives. Gratitude holds the power to unleash our personal growth and overall well-being, for it nurtures the trinity of our existence: mind, body, and soul.
To embark on a transformative journey toward self-realization, perpetual growth, and an elevated state of well-being, we must diligently nourish and sustain all three facets of our being. By nurturing our mind, body, and soul, we unlock the gateway to becoming the finest version of ourselves—a harmonious amalgamation of purpose, achievement, and optimal health.
To truly thrive and lead a fulfilling life, we must recognize the interconnectedness of these three dimensions and strive to nourish them holistically. By embracing gratitude and appreciation, we infuse each aspect of our existence with positivity and create a synergistic effect that propels us towards growth, resilience, and a greater sense of well-being. So, let us embark on this journey of self-care and nurture our minds, bodies, and souls, ultimately becoming the best and healthiest version of ourselves.
How does expressing gratitude and appreciation help?
Here are the five aspects of gratitude that explain its importance for personal growth.
Display of Kindness, Compassion, & Empathy
Expressing gratitude serves as a broad concept that encompasses acts of kindness, compassion, and empathy. These values hold immense significance as they contribute to personal growth and inspire us to be better individuals. When we engage in acts that embody these emotions, we not only make others feel appreciated but also experience a profound sense of fulfillment. Cultivating the ability to empathize with others not only strengthens our relationships but also nurtures a positive connection with ourselves. It is through these practices of gratitude that we continue to grow and foster a harmonious balance between self-care and extending care to others.
Strengthens Your Relationship
Your identity is intricately shaped by the people you surround yourself with and how you choose to treat them. By expressing gratitude and displaying respect, trust, and positivity towards others, you not only strengthen your relationships but also foster an atmosphere of appreciation. The act of showing gratitude brings forth a deep sense of connection and makes both you and those around you feel loved and valued. This interconnectedness cultivates a state of happiness within your mind and soul, amplifying your desire to practice self-care and nurture your well-being.
Spreading Positivity
It is a way of life. Having a positive and calm outlook towards life and all the experiences it offers not only ensures the presence of good physical and mental health but also makes you motor through tough times in life because you know how to appreciate the good and embrace the bad.
Boosts your morale
Self-awareness and knowing what is good and bad for you is important to ensure that you realize all your goals and aspirations and become the best version of yourself. Expressing gratitude and taking notes from unfortunate and off-putting situations is a healthy way to grow. This boosts your morale and makes you want to live life more wholly because you accept all aspects of it and appreciate your overall existence in the universe.
Act of Self-love & Self-growth
In the realm of self-love and self-growth, the practice of gratitude and appreciation plays a fundamental role. Through cultivating gratitude, we learn to cherish life's blessings and lessons, fostering a positive relationship with ourselves.
Self-love begins with recognizing our inherent worth and embracing our unique qualities and strengths. When we appreciate ourselves for who we are, we create a foundation of self-acceptance and self-compassion. This self-appreciation serves as a catalyst for personal growth, empowering us to pursue our passions, dreams, and aspirations. As we embark on the journey of self-growth, gratitude becomes a guiding light that illuminates the path ahead. It allows us to shift our focus from what we lack to what we already possess, fostering contentment and a sense of abundance.
In the pursuit of self-love and self-growth, the transformative power of gratitude and appreciation paves the way for personal fulfillment and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
How Can Now&Me help?
Now&Me, as a supportive online community, plays a significant role in cultivating gratitude and appreciation in our lives. By engaging with Now&Me’s platform, we have the opportunity to share our thoughts, emotions, and experiences with others who are ready to listen and provide support. This act of open sharing not only allows us to gain perspective and insights from different viewpoints but also encourages us to practice empathy and understanding towards others. Through this reciprocal process of sharing and listening, we cultivate a community that nurtures gratitude, empathy, and personal growth.
Now&Me also provides a safe and supportive platform to connect with experienced mental health and self care professionals who can offer you guidance and support. Our peer community is welcoming, non-judgmental, and inclusive, creating a warm and supportive environment to share your thoughts and feelings.You can interact with like-minded peers or seek guidance from experienced experts like therapists and life coaches, instantly. What are you waiting for? Download for FREE!
Through Now&me let us all engage in a transformative journey of gratitude, where our shared experiences and supportive interactions help us cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation for ourselves and the world around us.