Why Daily Gratitude Makes a Difference

Written By Steph Guillen

Practice gratitude daily. We hear that more and more, but what does it mean to practice gratitude? How does being grateful influence our day-to-day lives, and why should we give it our time and attention?

Simply put, gratitude is about being appreciative or thankful, and it can have a dramatic impact on the lens through which we view our lives and the world. Martin Seligman often described as the “father of Positive Psychology,” developed an exercise called The Three Good Things (or The Three Blessings) as a tool to increase wellbeing.

According to Martin Seligman, we’re wired to be “bad weather animals” because that instinct was a driving factor in who survived during the ice age (2013). Thinking more about what is bad in the world or what went wrong in our day than the positives is in our DNA. Just look at what news headlines grab your attention most often… the bad stuff, right? But what if we can change our lens. What thoughts are typically swirling around your head as you go to sleep at night? For many, it’s the bad things that happened over the course of the day or worries about what tomorrow will bring. I challenge you to try The Three Good Things exercise for one week. I’m willing to bet you continue it after that week for the noticeable shifts in your feelings of wellbeing that it brings.

  • Keep a notebook and pen next to your bed.

  • Right before you go to sleep, write down three good things that happened that day.

  • For each good thing, reflect and write down why it happened.

It’s important to do this exercise at night just before sleep. These good things can be big or small. Anything that made you feel good. Here are some examples:

  • Work was productive today because I persevered through challenges and believed I could get things done.

  • My partner shared his insights on overcoming obstacles and what has helped him in the past because he cares about me, loves me, and wants to help.

  • I ate a healthy lunch because I planned ahead and pre-cooked and packed it.

  • I saw a beautiful sunrise because I got up early to exercise.

  • Etc.

I practice The Three Good Things exercise daily myself. When I first tried it, I was having a particularly challenging week. My kitty was very sick and passed away, my father was having surgery, and work was very busy. I was amazed at how reflecting on just three small things that went well before I went to sleep had a dramatic positive impact on how well I slept, my overall sense of wellbeing, and my ability to meet my challenges from a more positive mindset.

I’d also encourage you to watch this short video where Martin Seligman briefly discussed optimism and positive psychology:

#jobsearch #career #selfcare #mentalhealth #success #mentalhealthawareness #arttherapy #journaling #gratitude #positivepsychology

Steph Guillen

I’m an art therapy and counseling master’s degree program student, as well as an artist, writer, and program director with a strong background in communications, photography, art, and job search/employment strategies. I have a passion for uplifting marginalized communities through means that champion knowledge, growth, and empowerment. My professional history largely resides in working with unemployed mid-to-high level executives, refugees, immigrants, and newcomers from the Middle East. I’ve advocated for and empowered these communities through the mediums of online graphic communications, writing, education, workshops, program development, and art.

I combine skills in art, graphics, photography, writing, project management, content creation, social media, advocacy/awareness initiatives, program development, and research to make a positive impact.

Certificates in: Positive Psychology, The Science of Well-Being, Creative Writing, Therapeutic Art Life Coaching, Career Brand Management, and Social Media Marketing. Education in Graphic Communications Technology, Photography, Middle Eastern Studies, and International Relations. Pursuing a competitive M.A. program in Art Therapy & Counseling.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies while working full-time.

• Nominated for membership in Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society, Sigma lota Rho Honor Society, and The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement.

• Recipient of the Global Goodwill Ambassador’s Humanitarian Award in recognition of years of impactful volunteer work, primarily in the refugee and international arena.

• Inducted into the Golden Key International Society with a 4.0 GPA in Middle Eastern Studies.

• Invited and accepted into the following committees and board: YMCA International’s Refugee College Scholarship Committee five years in a row, YMCA International’s Triumph of the Human Spirit Art Selection Committee two years in a row, United Nations Association of Houston Board Member & Global Classroom Liaison, World Refugee Day-Houston’s Panel Committee and Fundraising Committee.

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