Gratitude and Perspective
GRATITUDE & PERSPECTIVE
The way we view life has a lot to do with our experiences. When things are more favorable in life we tend to have a more positive outlook. When things are more difficult, we can’t help but focus on the difficult situation.
DR. MARCELLA CHIROMO, PHD, OUR FRIENDZY TEAM EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST, SHARES HOW A POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE HELPS US THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES BY PRODUCING HOPE.
The way we view life has a lot to do with our experiences. When things are more favorable in life, we tend to have a more positive outlook. When things are more difficult, we can’t help but focus on the difficult situation. Perspective is our attitude toward something or our point of view about something. It’s easy to have a negative perspective and get stuck there. Let’s consider the three ways we can look at a situation:
Positive
Indifferent
Negative
Having a positive attitude towards something does not mean that difficult things are not happening. It means that you understand there is an opportunity to learn and grow in all situations. Although things around us may look and feel difficult, there is always something to learn in those circumstances. There is always hope attached to a positive perspective.
An indifferent outlook means that we allow whatever attitude that is dominating in a situation to lead. There is no effort to be aware of our point of view but rather, we let the dominating emotion guide our behavior towards a situation. We give our power and choice away.
A negative perspective is one that focuses on worst-case scenarios. It beats us down and makes us sad, angry, frustrated, annoyed, and bitter. This is easily accessed when there are difficult times happening around us because it mirrors our situation. There is no hope when locked into a negative perspective.
HEALTHY PERSPECTIVE
We are human beings who respond to situations through emotions. It is wise not to let our emotions lead our behavior. If difficult things are happening around us, we are going to feel angry, sad, and frustrated. A healthy perspective gives room for feeling, but it does not stop there. It is important that we process through what is happening and then work our way to a more positive perspective.
GRATITUDE
Gratitude is the best way to process difficult situations for a few reasons:
It allows us to take a step back to see the bigger picture
It allows us to gain some control of what we have
If interrupts our brains by shifting our thinking patterns
It changes our mood and attitude to be more positive
It changes the way we respond to difficult situations
APPRECIATION ACTIVITY
Think of someone or something you are grateful for. Be specific and really try to identify why you are grateful for that person/thing.
I appreciate [someone or something] for [reason why you are grateful for them/it].
It/he/she makes me feel [insert feeling here]. The Friendzy Emotion Chart can help with identifying emotions.