There is something to be said about gratitude. Author and researcher Dr. Robert Emmons has discovered the secret to a more meaningful life – Gratitude.
Studies have shown that gratitude can improve emotional and physical health, and strengthen relationships and communities.
In my work with couples, I often use the phrase – “What you focus on expands.” quite a lot. If you focus on the flaws in your relationship, you will notice these flaws more often. If, however, you practice this wonderful virtue of gratitude, and focus on what you love and cherish about your partner, the traits that you love will expand in your field of awareness.
Gratitude changes your perception thus changing your world. It works kind of like a prism changing ordinary light into a rainbow of colors. The light doesn’t actually change, but our perception of it changes depending upon how we look through the prism. (pic of prism)
What are some practical ways you can bring gratitude into your life and your relationship?
*Keep a Gratitude Journal
Keeping a gratitude journal about your relationship helps you look past many an annoying habit and can help you rediscover what makes your partner so special.
*The Appreciation Dialogue
One of the variations of the Imago Dialogue that I teach couples is the Appreciation Dialogue. When couples practice this dialogue regularly they cultivate the habit of noticing and sharing all the things they love about each other. Can you imaging how this could impact your relationship?
Let’s make it a tradition to practice gratitiude every day of the year so that we can all reap the rewards of a truly blessed and grateful heart.
If you would like to talk to me personally about how to have a more passionate and supportive marriage click here to set up a Discovery Session with me.