Benefits of Gratitude

Gratitude helps us have a happier and more positive life. What's more, expressing gratitude poduces benefits in both the person we exprtess gratitude to, as well as befit ourselves. Next I will share some of my personal experiences, then I will share some scientific proof that just like humor, having and expressing gratitude improves both physical and mental health.

I traveled a lot in all my different careers. My curiosity and personal observations led me to realize many principles of successful, happy, and memorable travel, which I came to call my 10+ commandments of travel, and life.

{1} - I was often surprised that people frustrated and angry, such as when a flight is delayed or canceled, will take it all out on the employee who is not at fault and they are expecting to resolve their issue. Coupled with my personal philosophy that almost never is someone is need of a rebuke from me, as they may be having a bad day and a rebuke from me will not help, or they may have a bad attitude all the time. But in that case, there will be plenty of others to provide karma or rebukes. Instead, I made it a point to compliment and thank those doing a good job, or helping me.

[2] - We never know what someone else is going through, or what they have been through. What's more, almost everyone is doing the best they can at that moment.

[3] - At a Hotel in Bahrain, I had the best ever experience of pleasant helpful, even cheerful staff, and my best every hotel VIP lounge experience. I went down to the lobby and asked to speak to the manager. He came out with a very concerned look on his face. I proceeded to tell him that I had traveled world wide for many years and stayed in many 3, 4, and even 5 star hotels, but that his staff and VIP lounge were the best I had every experienced. His concerned expression changed to shock and he asked if Iwould mind repeating that to the top manager, which I did. He also looked shocked, then the two of them shared with me:

In over 20 years of the two of them managing that hotel, I was the first person to EVER ask to speak to them to share something positive!

It is said that most people fear public speaking, even more than their fear of death. I could not speak in front of the class in high school. The first time I presented a research paper in Spain, as I stood at the podium, my hands and knees were both shaking, and I had trouble getting words out at first, but soon found it difficult to even breathe.

Some training during the pandemic led me to believe I should practice public speaking, not only to be able to do so, but to increase my overall self confidence. So I signed up for a Toastmaster's group, still having virtual meetings because of the pandemic. The night before my first speech I sat down at my desk to prepare some notes and an outline, and record some practice videos. But I received a phone call informing me of the death of my 39-year-old daughter, Amanda. I spent some hours thinking, looking at my favorite photo, and asking myself, do I have a real message, am I the real deal? I was able to give my speech, and it was voted best speech that day. My recording of it is below:

14 Benefits of Practicing Gratitude (from Positive Psychology, link on Resources page)

1 - increased happiness and positive mood (#3 below)
2 - more satisfaction with life
3 - less materialistic
4 - less likely to experience burnout
5 - better physical health (#2 below)
6 - better sleep (#5 below)
7 - less fatigue
8 - lower levels of cellular inflammation
9 - greater resiliency
10 - encourages development of patience, humility, and wisdom (#7 below)
11 - increases prosocial behaviors (#4 below)
12 - strengthens relationships (#1 below)
13 - may help employee's effectiveness
14 - may increase job satisfaction

7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude (from Psychology Today, link on Resources page)

1 - Gratitude opens the door to more relationships (#12 above)
2 - Gratitude improves physical health (#5 above)
3 - Gratitude improves psychological health (#1 above)
4 - Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression (#11 above)
5 - Grateful people sleep better (#6 above)
6 - Gratitude improves self-esteem
7 - Gratitude increase mental strength (#10 above)

Note the similarities and reinforcement between the two lists.

I Practice What I Preach

I am so grateful to Dan Roberts, the owner of Mike & C's Family Sports Grill, in Peachtree City, GA. MIke & C's is where I and some fellow FAA retirees meet once a month for breakfast. When I came up with the idea for a campaign to raise awareness of suicide prevention, my first poster was the "Original Risque Poster" (see that page, and "The Benefits of Humor" here on this website). Dan absolutely did not hesitate, saying he wanted to do what he could to help the effort and appreciated what we are doing. Here I explain my life motto "I am a slave to gratitude." and the symbol I have adopted for my trademark, found on a granite door jamb, from the 1600's, of a church in Madrid, Spain.