Gratitude and Freedom: Keys to a Fulfilling Life

When I was a high school teacher, July was synonymous with FREEDOM. Besides being my birthday month, it meant no more lesson plans, alarm clocks, or meetings, so many reasons to be GRATEFUL. Now that I’m not teaching and I’m older, FREEDOM takes on a whole new meaning and, I learned it by practicing GRATITUDE. Freedom and gratitude are two of my highest values and while they may seem distinct, their interplay can lead to a deeper, more fulfilling existence. By understanding and practicing gratitude, you can enhance your sense of freedom, and transform the way you experience life.

Gratitude is more than just a fleeting feeling; it's a deep appreciation for what you have and the goodness around you. It shifts your focus from what you lack to the abundance in your life. As cliche as that sounds, it’s true. Let’s be real, shifting your focus from lack to abundance, inadequacy to worthiness, and fear to FREEDOM is not easy. When I feel lack, inadequacy, or fear, I repeat a Dr. Robert Emmons quote, “GRATITUDE is an effortful state to create and maintain. It is not for the intellectually lethargic.” Then, I do the work.

Contrary to popular opinion. Practicing GRATITUDE is not just some “woo woo” concept. Research shows that practicing gratitude has numerous benefits, including improved mental health, stronger relationships, and increased resilience. By recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of your life, you cultivate a mindset that fosters contentment and well-being.

Moreover, GRATITUDE changes your perspective, making you present to the small joys and blessings that you might otherwise overlook. Practicing GRATITUDE is about acknowledging the efforts of others, the beauty of nature, and the simple pleasures that add richness to your days. It does not make you complacent or avoid challenges. Practicing GRATITUDE enhances your happiness and builds a foundation for a more meaningful life.

Let’s delve into this idea of freedom. Freedom is a multifaceted concept that encompasses so many different aspects of life from financial, personal, social, and emotional. The pursuit of freedom is a fundamental human drive, essential for living a fulfilling life.

For this blog, I’m going to focus on emotional freedom, the ability to choose how you react to external factors, and your ability to choose happiness regardless of external circumstances.

The connection between gratitude and freedom is profound. Practicing gratitude can make you feel freer by shifting your focus from what you can’t control to what you can. But let’s be real, “it ain’t always easy.”

If you’re like me, when someone hurts you or your loved one, your initial reaction is to lash out. When things don’t go how I want them to go, or how I planned, I might experience all sorts of emotions: anger, sadness, frustration, and or self-doubt. And if that’s not enough, I may throw myself a pity party (and I throw a good one).

However, these reactions keep me chained to the past hurts, unmet expectations, judgments, and feeling like a victim which is the complete opposite of FREEDOM. Thus, choosing gratitude is, in itself, an exercise of freedom

Before we get to the “how”, think about Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and author of, “Man’s Search For Meaning” who found meaning and a sense of freedom through gratitude even in the direst of circumstances. His ability to focus on the small acts of kindness and the beauty in life, despite his suffering, exemplifies how gratitude can liberate us from the prison of our circumstances. “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.” (Viktor Frankl)

Rather than repeating a rote GRATITUDE list, look for your GRATITUDE W.I.N.S.

Grab one of my GRATITUDE bags, which are portable GRATITUDE journals and start looking for your GRATITUDE W.I.N.S. At the end of the day, or better yet, several times throughout the day, write the answers to the following questions on your “I Am GRATEFUL” cards.

W - Who or what made a difference for me?
I - How did I make the world a little brighter (mine or someone’s else’s)?
N - How did I nourish my mind, body, and/or spirit?
S - What made me smile or laugh until my sides hurt?

Equip yourself with strategies to find freedom and pleasure in everyday life. Gratitude is the #1 success and happiness tool used by Oprah, Tony Robbins, and Arianna Huffington. Gratitude is like CPR; it can save your life.

Each weekday day, I’ll send you your morning G.A.S. (GRATITUDE Action Step). Plus, I’ll keep you informed with up-to-date GRATITUDE research.

Practice mindfulness to stay present and appreciate the moment. Reflect on your experiences and recognize the freedoms you enjoy. Mindfulness helps you become more attuned to the blessings around you, enhancing your sense of gratitude and freedom.

Focus on what truly matters and let go of excess. This approach can lead to a greater sense of freedom from material possessions, allowing you to appreciate the intangible aspects of life that bring true happiness.

Practicing gratitude and recognizing your freedoms can have a profound impact on your mental health and well-being. Gratitude has been linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety, as it encourages a positive outlook on life. By focusing on what you are thankful for, you can reduce negative thinking patterns and increase your overall happiness.

Additionally, recognizing your freedoms can also alleviate pressure and reduce stress. Understanding that you have the power to choose your responses and attitudes can help you let go of perfectionism and unrealistic expectations. This acceptance leads to a more relaxed and fulfilling life.

Furthermore, these practices build resilience, helping you to bounce back from adversity with a positive and empowered mindset. The combination of gratitude and freedom fosters a sense of contentment and peace, contributing to a happier and more satisfying life.

Gratitude and freedom are intertwined forces that can significantly enhance your life. By acknowledging the blessings you have and appreciating your freedoms, you create a positive feedback loop that enhances your well-being. Embrace the journey of life with an open heart and a grateful mind. Recognize the freedoms you enjoy and appreciate the goodness in your life. In doing so, you will not only find greater happiness and fulfillment but also contribute to a more compassionate and appreciative world.

Start today by reflecting on what you are grateful for and the freedoms you cherish. These simple practices can transform your perspective, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary blessings. Embrace gratitude and freedom, and watch as they lead you to a richer, more meaningful life.