Can you be grateful for painful events? How do you cultivate an “attitude of gratitude”? Can gratitude help you sleep better? Join Spencer and Wendy as we talk about our experience with gratitude.
We used these questions to guide our discussion.
- What does “gratitude” mean to you?
- Do you see gratitude differently now than before you came to Al-Anon?
- Do you practice an “attitude of gratitude”?
- How has this changed your life?
- Have you found gratitude for painful occurrences in your life? How or why?
- What are you grateful for today?
We also found a couple of interesting articles about gratitude. Powerful Lessons in Gratitude starts “As I write this, I am coming to terms with the death of a good friend of mine who was killed in a tragic accident over the weekend. … However, I realize that even in death we have the opportunity to celebrate the beauty of life.” Both of us have found gratitude in the middle of pain and loss, and that gratitude has helped us to live our lives with greater serenity and even joy.
Another interesting article is 8 reasons to love gratitude, which has this list of benefits. The benefits are backed up by scientific study, believe it or not.
- It can make you happier.
- It can reduce blood pressure.
- It makes hearts healthier.
- It's associated with better sleep.
- It helps people exercise more.
- It helps make vets more resilient.
- It can help your relationship.
- Even a little bit helps.
Spencer was happy to hear that he doesn't have to practice gratitude every day in order to gain its benefits!
Our topic for next week is Tradition 12, which states “Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles above personalities.” Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecoveryshow.com with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.
Music from the show
Christina Aguilera: Fighter
Sam Cooke: I'm so Glad (Trouble Don't Last Always)