Definition: Positive Emotions

nnGratefulnessnWhat would your day be like if you started and ended it by simply noticing all that you have in your life? If you count all your assets, you always show a profit. Gratitude is a natural high. When you live in tandem with your spirit, appreciating all of life and what you have, you discover more joy and kindness in the world. Miracles happen everywhere all the time, but only those with an “Attitude of Gratitude” seem to notice them. This circle of peace grows and you return to your natural state of joy, love and peace, knowing you are whole and complete just as you are.n

n“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” ~ Ciceron

nThe following is a list of the top ten reasons to adopt the Law of Gratitude in your life:n

nOne. Being in Gratitude Only Has Positive Side EffectsnPositive emotions make you feel good and offer a sense of comfort. When we take a few moments to express our appreciation inwardly or to another, immediately we begin to feel happier, more relaxed, more optimistic.n

nTwo. Feelings of Gratitude Provide Short-Cuts to MiraclesnNegative thoughts and feelings create an interruption in the natural flow of life. When you are feeling positive and grateful you accelerate what it is that you desire. Consciously appreciating what you already have is the short-cut to manifestation and the secret to personal fulfillment.nnThree. Thoughts of Gratitude Flood Your Body with Immune-Boosting EndorphinsnStudies also provide evidence that a positive, appreciative attitude enhances the body’s healing system and general health. When you hold feelings of thankfulness for at least 15 to 20 seconds, beneficial physiological changes take place in your body. Levels of the stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine decrease, producing a cascade of beneficial metabolic changes. Coronary arteries relax, thus increasing the blood supply to your heart. And your breathing becomes deeper, raising the oxygen level of your tissues.n

nFour. Feeling Grateful Puts you Back into the ‘Flow of Life’ at the Speed of ThoughtnThoughts create things. If you are feeling and thinking positive thoughts, you create positive situations. You draw positive people to you. Like attracts like.n

nFive. Gratitude Unlocks the Fullness of LifenFeelings of gratitude turn what you have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast or a house into a home. Gratitude makes sense of your past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.n

nSix. Feelings of Gratitude Give You a ‘Natural High’nGrateful people tend to be more optimistic, a characteristic that researchers say boosts the immune system. Studies indicate that daily gratitude exercises result in higher reported levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism and energy. Grateful people experience less depression and stress, are more likely to help others, exercise regularly and tend to make more progress toward personal goals. People who feel grateful are also more likely to feel loved.n

nSeven. Gratitude Provides an Immediate Sense of Well-BeingnGratitude, it turns out, can help us better manage stress. Gratitude research is beginning to suggest that feelings of thankfulness have tremendous positive value in helping people cope with daily problems, especially stress.n

nEight. Feeling Grateful is the Main Cause of ‘Sustained Joy’nFocusing on the gifts one has been given is an antidote to envy, resentment, regret and other negative states that undermine long-term happiness. Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.n

nNine. The More You Give -- The More You ReceivenYou always get more of whatever you appreciate. When you express love, gratitude and sincere appreciation, you naturally expand. Consciously appreciating what you already have is the short-cut to manifestation and the secret to personal fulfillment. The more you assist others, the more you will assist yourself.n

nTen. When You Are Genuinely Thankful Anger and Fear DisappearnOne of the incredible truths about gratitude is that it is impossible to feel both the positive emotion of thankfulness and a negative emotion such as anger or fear at the same time.nnTo Practice This Thought:n• Be lavish in your gratefulness.n• Make gratitude a daily ritual.n• Be thankful for whatever forces you to deal with your own strong emotions.n• Set aside an hour or two to do nothing much except be grateful.n

nFocus on what is working in your life and what IS right in the world. It doesn’t matter how small or seemingly insignificant it may be. Before long you will notice that more things will fall into place with little or no effort on your part. Gratitude is a wonderful tool to use to feel good fast. n

nPositiveArticles.com PositiveArticles.com ContributorsnThis article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation Licensen

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