How grateful are you feeling these days?
Whether you have just had your heart broken or are simply bored at the prospect of a typical Tuesday night alone, it can be difficult to feel grateful about your situation no matter how good or bad it may be. There are a few good reasons that you should make the effort, though.
Studies show that being grateful can help you in many ways, from handling life’s ups and downs to improving your health. It can help boost your confidence and even help you get the relationship you want. In short, reflecting on your experiences and choices with gratitude can help improve your life.
Gratitude: Important for You and Your Relationships
Maybe you’re thinking, “Dr. Susan, what on earth are you talking about? How can I feel grateful about my experiences when my heart is broken?”
I know it may seem impossible in the moment, but believe it or not, it can be done. It comes down to getting into the habit of looking at situations from different, more optimistic perspectives. I’m not saying that you are going to be able to wipe out that feeling of heartbreak by finding some magical silver lining, but recognizing what you gained in the process may help soften the blow.
If you got dumped, for example, at least you aren’t wasting any more time on a dead-end relationship. Instead, you’re grieving now so that you can move on to meet someone better for you. As painful (and senseless) as it may feel at the moment, you are better off with someone who is as excited as you are to be in your relationship.
When you are grateful for your experiences, you can more easily identify what didn’t work in the relationship and how you can avoid similar issues in the future. Ultimately, having gratitude helps you accept what happened so that you can let it go and move on.
Denouncing Sexual Harassment: Something We Can Be Grateful For
This year, there is something else HUGE to feel grateful about. With accusations against Harvey Weinstein and so many other well known men headlining the news, we are coming together to say “No!” to sexual harassment. Women are supporting each other in a way that we have seen very rarely in modern times. As a result, more and more women are feeling empowered to come forward.
Companies and financial boards have noticed, worried that they may have someone on their payroll who is a harasser and soon-to-be criminal problem. Many of these same companies tried to minimize the complaints of sexual harassment by (mostly) female employees in the past, but now feel like they must take a stronger stand.
Thanks to recent events, stories are also coming out about how men are now worried that their behavior may be ‘misinterpreted’ as harassment by women. In real terms, this means that more men are reflecting on their behavior towards women than ever. Who isn’t grateful for that?
When we show gratitude towards the women that have shared their stories, we participate in the movement for women’s equality ourselves. By helping to support and empower each other, we are creating an environment where more women feel safe coming forward with their own stories.
Progress: Your Voice Matters
The brave women and men coming forward to combat sexual harassment are helping to radically change the way women are seen and treated in our culture. And don’t forget – they are doing all of this by taking advantage of the power of their voices.
And your voice matters too!
Maybe you don’t feel it in your life yet, as much of the discussion now is happening amongst the rich and powerful. But if we continue to support those who are leading these changes, others will continue to come forward. The more this topic stays in the public eye, the more women, men, and companies will have to take a critical look at where they stand on sexual harassment.
This is how societal change begins. Join the Revolution!
Let me finish by saying I am extremely grateful for you, my readers.
Thank you for reading my blog and your helpful feedback and questions. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
