Meaning of Gratitude in the dictionary and in psychology

George Alvarez 22-07-2023
George Alvarez

Have you ever wondered what the meaning of gratitude Why has it become part of our daily life? Why is gratitude essential for developing ourselves? So in this article you will find the answers to these and other questions about one of the most important aspects for people: gratitude.

Meaning of gratitude in the dictionary and in life

The word gratitude has its roots in Latin, grata or gratia; meaning a good thought you had. Often, when faced with the unpleasant things in life, we feel unable to react and get into a negative spiral. Thus, it can even lead to true pathological manifestations, such as depression.

In this way, we are led to think that our state of mind depends on external events, so we don't even try to cultivate a different inner state.

However, there are some emotional states that can be induced voluntarily. Moreover, they have a positive influence on how we react to life events.

In this way, gratitude is the first example of an attitude toward the world that protects us even in the most difficult situations. And here we are not talking about simple good manners or thanksgiving. But of a genuine realization that in any situation there is something to be grateful for.

What does gratitude mean in Psychology?

In positive psychology, gratitude is well researched as a feeling of strong happiness. Thus, it is a positive emotion derived from a healthy mindset. In other words, it makes you more resilient and motivates you to achieve your goals.

In view of this, it is also what connects you to the people in your life. For we cannot always say this explicitly, but we are often grateful for something or someone.

Therefore, according to positive psychology, thanking others, thanking ourselves, Mother Nature or the Almighty. That is, any form of gratitude can enlighten the mind and make us feel happier. So gratitude in all forms is associated with happiness.

So whether we say 'thank you' to someone and are recognized, the feeling it brings is one of pure encouragement and satisfaction. So expressions of gratitude help build and sustain long-term relationships, deal with adversity, and bounce back with strength and motivation.

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Psychology: why is gratitude important?

Psychologists have found that, over time, feeling gratitude increases happiness and promotes physical and psychological health Furthermore, studies show that the practice of gratitude limits the use of terms that express negative emotions.

In other words, gratitude diverts inner attention away from negative feelings, such as resentment and envy. In this way, the prospect of ruminating, which is a hallmark of depression, is diminished.

In addition, people who are grateful experience less pain, less stress, suffer less from insomnia, and have a stronger immune system.

See how to develop gratitude in life

Gratitude is not always an innate feeling, but a choice you make. So this can be developed over time, so there are many ways to develop gratitude in your daily life. Here are some ways to guide you in the right direction:

1. say 'thank you' more often

This is the most overlooked and the easiest way to express your gratitude. So thank your parents, your friends, and everyone who helps you, even in the smallest details.

In addition, recognizing your co-workers is also important because it can help you build a strong relationship with your managers, colleagues and juniors.

As a result, send a thank you note or an email at the end of a meeting or conversation to thank them for their time. So make an effort to recognize what others do for you.

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2. recognize the efforts of others

Sometimes when people do things for us, we tend not to appreciate it. For example, the people we neglect the most are our parents. Even when your mother hands you a glass of water, you should convey that you are grateful for her effort.

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At work, if a close colleague helps you with your tasks, expressing your gratitude will strengthen your relationship, so remember to go out of your way to acknowledge their efforts. For if you do not convey this in some way, they will never know that you are grateful for their help.

3. develop a positive mindset

Starting your morning on a positive note will change the course of your day. So if you want to be happy, you need to make certain decisions that lead you down that path. You might imagine that it's easier said than done, but what if we start building ourselves up instead of putting ourselves down?

In this sense, many people resort to daily affirmations as a way to cultivate a positive mindset. So, some of these affirmations are "I will succeed", "I am my own person", "I am enough". Remember: the possibilities are endless!

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So tell yourself that you are in a good place and that you have what it takes, no matter what the circumstances!

4. S ignified of gratitude: a ceite yourself

The moment you begin to build yourself up, you will learn to accept who you are. So for your personal growth, you need to take care of yourself and be grateful for the person you have become.

Before you start valuing others, you must value your own efforts. For, you have worked hard to get where you are and remembering that is very important. Besides, you don't have to prove yourself to anyone but yourself In other words, only you need to know how hard you have worked!

Other tips for promoting gratitude

There are many examples of gratitude that you can express in your daily life. Here are a few:

  • Keep a journal or somehow write down the big and small joys of daily life;
  • write "three good things": identify three things that have worked for you and identify the cause;
  • Make thank you notes to other people;
  • think about the people who motivate you and what is most meaningful about them;
  • engage in "mental subtraction," that is, imagine what your life would be like if some positive event had not occurred.

Concluding remarks on the meaning of gratitude

As we have seen, the meaning of gratitude is beautiful and can bring light and serenity into the life of the one who realizes it. N o However, gratitude is not something we are born with, is not determined by genetics, but is a virtue that each of us can cultivate with a series of practices.

That said, learn more about the importance of meaning of gratitude in the day to day to reach your goals. our online clinical psychoanalysis course Therefore, embark on this new journey of self-knowledge and discover how to transform your life.

I want information to enroll in the Psychoanalysis Course .

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.