For many, an attitude of gratitude means expressing appreciation for big and small things alike. If you concentrate on what you have, you’ll always have more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you’ll never have enough.
Throughout November and December, the Army Suicide Prevention, Employee Assistance, and Substance Abuse Programs will present virtual and in-person classes and display “Gratitude Trees” throughout the installation. This gives the Redstone community several opportunities to slow down and remember what’s important.
“Our ‘Gratitude Campaign for the Holidays’ is a physical reminder to take time and focus on what you’re grateful for during a time of year that often fills up with stress, worry and conflict,” Carolyn White, employee assistance program coordinator and suicide prevention program manager, said. “Instead of rushing, stressing, fighting, spending, eating or drinking through the holidays. Let’s pause and remember this as a season of thankfulness and caring. The trees are going to be Christmas trees with white or brown gift tags that people can write messages on and hang from the trees.”
The gratitude trees will be set up at the One Stop, Java Café, and Garrison headquarters building 4488 starting this week. Additionally, Redstone tenant organizations are invited to participate by displaying their own gratitude tree in their buildings or work areas.
Gratitude and thankfulness involve acknowledging and appreciating something or someone. Where they may differ is when thankfulness is more transactional or situational – focused on specific favor or action – versus gratitude, which may focus on an awareness of and appreciation of the positive aspects of a person, experience or life.
According to White, practicing gratitude is proven to offer many benefits to individuals. By choosing to cultivate gratitude in your life, you are actively improving your health and well-being.
“Practicing gratitude has been shown to have a positive impact on emotional, physical, and spiritual health and can be a protective factor when thinking about suicide. Bring some joy into your life and others while building community spirit and connection this holiday season,” White said. “Practicing gratitude is important for other reasons. Shifting your focus from what you lack to what you have builds resiliency by looking for silver linings, reduces negativity and increases feelings of happiness. Regularly acknowledging and appreciating the good things in life contributes to a more fulfilling existence, can lower stress levels, and improve overall mental well-being. Expressing gratitude also builds stronger relationships by recognizing the efforts and kindness of others.”
White said there is no right or wrong way to practice gratitude. Gratitude should be an internal expression of your own thankfulness.
She offers ways for everyone to practice gratitude seven days a week:
· Day one – Gratitude journal. List one to three things you appreciate each day. Reflecting helps us pay attention to positive moments or experiences in our lives and become more aware of what brings us joy, pleasure and connection.
· Day two – Kindness jar. Write down something you’re grateful for each day and place it in a jar. If you’re having a challenging day and need inspiration, pull one out as a gratitude reminder. This is a fun activity to encourage gratitude with children.
· Day three – Express thanks. Reach out to a family member, friend, co-worker or acquaintance and express your gratitude. This can be through a phone call, text, handwritten note or face-to-face conversation. Expressions of gratitude can even be for someone providing you a service such as the cashier at the grocery store. Think beyond saying “thanks,” and try to acknowledge the impact that the person has had on your life, big or small.
· Day four – Mindful appreciation. Take a few minutes to notice and appreciate your surroundings. Pay attention to the small details and express gratitude for what is around you. This may be physical items such as your home that keeps you warm and safe or the seeing the beauty of nature. Mindful appreciation can extend to being grateful for our bodies and appreciating our strengths instead of limitations.
· Day five – Acts of kindness. Show your gratitude through actions. Offer help, perform a task, give a compliment, cook for someone, spend quality time, etc. Pay attention to what you appreciate about the person and how you can support them. Sometimes just your presence and attention can be a powerful expression of connection and care.
· Day six – Reflect on challenges. Instead of dwelling on difficulties, find something to be grateful for in challenging situations. Gratitude can shift your perspective to see a silver lining or consider that the situation may not be as dire as it initially seems.
· Day seven – Give back. Volunteer your time, skills, or resources to local charities, organizations, or others in need that connect with your values or that have impacted you personally. Giving back reminds us to be grateful for what we have and recognize and act when others need help.
For more information, call White at 256-876-0309 or email carolyn.g.white7.civ@army.mil.
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