Just Gratitude.

I just returned from a short trip to Maine … a place that I have traveled to almost every year of my life … and a place that is extraordinarily special.

This coast of Maine provides a connection for me above all else - a connection to family, my family’s history, and the ongoing beauty of our natural environment. 

It is like a magnet with a strong force field, always pulling me back, and I know it casts the same spell on so many connected to it.

What I also like about my visits there, is that it always seems to generously provide space to slow down and be grateful.  

And to be mindful in the moment of the beauty that surrounds me, and hopefully the beauty that any of us can find if we take the time to look around. 

But, I admit, Maine does make it easy.  

Here are some pictures of the shoreline - a shoreline that stays constant from year to year in its structure and raw beauty, but always looks different.

The lighting and the skies always cast a new perspective on the scene; and the clouds!  They are always different, and always stunning.  

So as I sat this week trying to figure out what to write about, I happened to glance at my phone, and saw the following text from a friend:

 “Anne, have I told you how important you are to me? How much I appreciate you and that you are such a dear friend to me.  Have I told you that lately?”

It kind of stopped me for a few moments.  There are no more special words than those to see.  How grateful I was to receive those kind words… just out of the blue. Truly so nice … just the BEST!

That immediately got me thinking.  Most of us are probably not in the mode of regularly giving others the gift of gratitude.  

Certainly not because we don't want to, but because we don't think of it, or take the time to do it.  

In our heads, we know we’re grateful.  But how often do we say it? 

But we should think about it more.  It’s free.  It’s easy.  It’s the best gift to receive … it’s also a wonderful gift to give. 

What is a good definition of gratitude?

Two women (Lisa Congdon and Andrea Niculescu) whose work I admire nailed it with their definition and their whimsical depiction of the word: 

Regularly and openly. 

That seems to be the key. 

And this small, but great act is so good for the soul … good for our well being.   

According to the Mayo Clinic:

“Expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits. Studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood and immunity. Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease.”

Our brain is designed to problem solve rather than appreciate, to think more often of the negative, versus the positive.  

According to Harvard Health:

“In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

So not to belabor the point … the art of gratitude comes along with some profound benefits.  

And honestly practicing gratitude provides benefits that can greatly serve us, especially when sometimes we feel like we're living in a world that is a bit out of control.  It helps put us back in the driver's seat of what we can control … and reminds us of what makes us happy.

So this week, I was particularly observant of what I appreciated around me.  And I was so fortunate to be the recipient of an endearing gratitude message.  

There are many ways to practice gratitude.  Do you have a regular practice?  

Sometimes the simple act of writing down what you were most grateful for on any given day, maybe as a bedtime ritual, can be rewarding.  

But also, remember to let others know why you appreciate them.  Small gestures of that nature can make someone's day.  And in so doing, will also make yours.

Notice and be grateful for what’s around you.  Allow time to just be and observe.  

And be, just grateful.