What is Gratitude? How Do You Quantify and Measure It?

As per the definition in the dictionary, gratitude is “the quality of being thankful, readiness to show appreciation and to return kindness”. Is gratitude an emotion, an attitude, a trait, a habit? It is all that, and more, depends on who you ask.

From the beginning of the existence of being, gratitude has been a prevalent topic among the philosophers. Based on the number of research done by scholars and early day philosophers, gratitude is linked with virtue, happiness, and love. 

Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or not, with gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their loves. While in the process of doing something unconditional for someone, it helps them connect to something larger than themselves as an individual. 

There are number of ways people express gratitude:

  • Being thankful for good health
  • People who are religious can use prayers 
  • Acknowledging when someone does something nice – cooking, cleaning, caring, etc.
  • Being grateful for financial independence

Gratitude is a way for people to appreciate what they have instead of what they could have or they lack – being content and satisfied. There are physical, psychological, and social benefits associated with being grateful. 

That being said, with the holidays around the corner, let’s be more grateful and giving. Our smallest action can have a major impact on someone. It trickles down to everyone we are surrounded by – family members, friends, co-workers, or any relationships. Going the extra mile: staying an extra hour and helping co-worker, cooking for the homeless, being there for someone’s emotional needs and donating to charities are some examples that can influence people in our surroundings. 

I believe personally that the best way to promote gratitude is by: Always being kind, humble, understanding, and grateful to others and appreciative for everything you have. With the world changing so rapidly and what is happening amid COVID-19, a little bit of gratitude will go a long way. 

Gratitude Quiz

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take_quiz/gratitude

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