The Power of Forgiveness and Gratitude
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. It opens the door to forgiveness, compassion, and serenity.” – Robert A. Emmons
When things get rough and nothing seems to be going our way, taking time to reflect on things we’re grateful for can often lift our spirits. And when we’re feeling resentment toward the actions of others, being able to show some forgiveness can help us feel better. But forgiveness and gratitude are far more than temporary actions that might help us get through difficult moments in our lives. They can be powerful tools for driving personal growth and healing troubled relationships.
Having an attitude of gratitude shifts our perspective, allowing us to appreciate all the things – big and small – that give us joy, every day of our lives. It helps us recognize the support, kindness, and generosity we receive, strengthening our bonds with others and enriching our social interactions.
Gratitude also fosters forgiveness by helping us focus on the good rather than dwelling on past hurts. It encourages compassion, inspiring us to extend to others the same kind of support that we have received. It also brings serenity by grounding us in the present moment and helping us find peace in what we have, rather than fixating on what we lack.
Yet, I know it can be hard to feel grateful when we face so many challenges and difficulties in our lives, our loved ones’ lives, and the world in general. For help cultivating gratitude, here are three tools to try from the Greater Good Science Center:
NOTICE THREE GOOD THINGS. Tune into some of the positive events in your life, and fully appreciate them by noticing them.
PERFORM MENTAL SUBTRACTION. Appreciate something that you have by imagining what your life might be without it.
SAVOR THE GOOD. Don’t just gloss over the beauty and pleasures that come your way.
Resentments often keep us trapped in a cycle of negativity, focused on what we feel we’ve lost or been denied. By releasing those feelings through gratitude and forgiveness, we open ourselves to recognizing the abundance in our lives.
Showing gratitude and forgiveness can be a challenge at times, but starting small and employing both/and thinking can help make it easier. We can be having a rough day AND still be grateful for those things that bring us joy. Just remember that YOU are empowered with the choice to focus on the positive, letting forgiveness and gratitude enrich YOUR life and the world.