Written by Frances Brown, OHF Alumni and Wellness Coordinator
At Operation Healing Forces, we support special operations veterans and their families through healing retreats that demonstrate how gratitude becomes a pathway to resilience, awareness, and a more fulfilling life. Imagine returning from a long and arduous journey filled with challenges. You feel exhausted and yearn for the comfort of your own home. Reflect on that initial moment when you can finally shower, savor familiar food, or rest in your own bed. Remember the overwhelming wave of gratitude and profound appreciation for what you have? In these moments, we recognize the blessings surrounding us and embrace the abundance of the present. Gratitude strengthens emotional resilience, supports mental wellness, and fosters compassion, helping us become more grounded and kind. Have you ever encountered an unhappy person who embodies gratitude? It’s clear that gratitude and happiness are closely intertwined.
Consider the film Pollyanna. The protagonist faces gentle mockery for her “Glad Game.” Gifted a pair of crutches instead of toys, she initially feels disappointment but soon realizes she can be grateful for not needing them. This serves as a poignant reminder that the path to gratitude is always accessible, often requiring a shift in perspective. Setbacks, lengthy deployments, or missed opportunities can awaken our awareness of the things we often overlook or take for granted. Even challenges can become sources of gratitude, as they cultivate inner strength and personal growth.
Now, envision starting your day with gratitude for all that you possess. From life’s essentials—food, water, and shelter—to the luxuries we often overlook, like our favorite coffee, personal items, and leisure time. Reflect on the intangible blessings, such as the unconditional love from a child or a pet and the support of those who uplift you during tough times. This simple but powerful practice is one of the most effective ways to nurture a positive mindset, reduce stress, and increase overall happiness.
Conversely, what if you focused solely on what’s lacking in your life? This mindset can lead to a fixation on disappointments and what we desire but don’t have. While everyone experiences such feelings occasionally, consistently dwelling on the negatives can darken our perspective, fostering cynicism and doubt about the future. We can unwittingly develop a habit of emphasizing the unfavorable.
Practicing gratitude is akin to strengthening a growth mindset, regardless of circumstances. It doesn’t mean ignoring our aspirations or goals; rather, it encourages us to build on a foundation of appreciation for our experiences and achievements. Gratitude is closely related to hope. By recognizing what we have now, we shift away from scarcity and toward the blessings of the present and the hope for future abundance. Cultivating a conscious awareness of the positive aspects of your life improves emotional health and fosters long-term well-being.
Have you heard of the Reticular Activating System (RAS)? This part of the brain filters the multitude of information we encounter, drawing our attention to what matters most. It highlights stimuli like loud noises, perceived threats, our names, and even flirtation—fundamental to our social interactions. One of the many intriguing aspects of the RAS is its responsiveness to our conscious intentions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some individuals found ways to financially profit. Their RAS was tuned to recognize opportunities amidst the chaos. In contrast, others experienced heightened anxiety by fixating on the negative impact of the pandemic, leading their RAS to dwell on threats and negative outcomes rather than possibilities.
When it comes to gratitude, the RAS can be a powerful ally in attracting more blessings into your life through your conscious intentions. Neuroscience suggests that affirmations like “I see blessings all around me” can enhance our ability to recognize and attract positivity. Phrases such as “My life is continually getting better” can direct the RAS to highlight improvements in your life. Soon, your conscious mind will respond, “Indeed! Here’s another blessing!” It’s akin to mental exercise; by affirming, “I am grateful for my journey and the resilience I have developed,” you build neural pathways that help you notice growth, healing, and everyday miracles.
To cultivate a gratitude practice and embody your best self:
- Each morning, mentally or physically list five things you are grateful for.
- Let the energy from these positive thoughts fuel your initial tasks of the day.
- Visualize that energy sustaining you through stressful situations or daily interactions.
Let your requests begin with “thank you.”
Gratitude also positions us to return kindness to others, even in difficult relationships. A challenging conversation with a partner or coworker can start by acknowledging the positives. Express appreciation for how your spouse supports the family or recognize a coworker’s contributions to workplace morale. This approach allows for requests to be made from a foundation of positive recognition and strengthens communication.
As Master Oogway says in Kung Fu Panda: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift. That is why it is called the ‘present.’”
Life is indeed a gift. When we embrace life in the moment and envision its potential, we naturally feel uplifted and inspired. By expressing gratitude, we cultivate emotional resilience, improve mental health, and deepen our sense of hope, regardless of our circumstances. The more grateful we are, the more blessings we will notice—and the happier we become.
At OHF, we express our deep gratitude—from our donors who enable us to give back to our community, to the freedoms we often overlook, and to the men and women serving our great country. We feel truly blessed by our mission and the people we serve. Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season. From all of us at OHF, Happy Thanksgiving!
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