A. Introduction
B. Gratitude in Business and Politics
C. The Psychology of Gratitude
d. Physical Health and Gratitude
E. Research and Resources

One might think that Gratitude is a concept used only in religious or philosophical discussions. However, upon further investigation, gratitude and thankfulness can also be related to:

• Business and Politics,
• Psychology and Emotional Health,
• Physical Health

Before exploring new arenas for understanding Gratitude, it is important to recognize and review how Gratitude and Thankfulness may work within the context of our personal lives.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."
~ Melody Beattie ~

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything  you desire. If you did . . . what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
 for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. . . it is during those times that you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, because
 they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes . . . they will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
 because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
  are also thankful for the setbacks.

.The Path of the Soul

The Hebrew term for gratitude is hikarat hatov, which means literally, “recognizing the good".

"Practicing gratitude means recognizing the good that is already yours. When you live charged with gratitude, you will give thanks for anything or anyone who has benefited you, whether they meant to or not. . . Gratitude can’t coexist with arrogance, resentment, and selfishness. Gratitude doesn’t much like the old cronies of boredom, despair and taking life for granted. "

A Thanksgiving Poem

Thank You, Mrs Dickenson

Gratitude and Business -- From the CEU's Desk

The Power of Gratitude
There are many ways that we can and should show our gratitude in a business or professional setting. I will share several of them with you, and they will be very valuable to you, if they are used with the right spirit and attitude.

Have an Attitude of Gratitude
by Ann Perle
Excerpt from Workforce Magazine

Problems are arising, however, not in what we do to recognize employees (our action), but in how we deliver the recognition (our attitudes).

It's the HOW that's critical today; it's the one element of our recognition efforts that can make all the difference in successfully thanking workers and gaining their commitment.

Gratitude also has a place in business management programs . . . For example, The Gratitude Attitude is a program specifically designed for Long Term Care and Senior Housing Professionals.

Based on the premise that each of us individually is responsible for our own happiness and well-being, the purpose of The Gratitude Attitude is to establish an environment within long term care and senior housing that promotes a positive philosophy of life for employees and families.

The reason for this effort is that a negative philosophy or attitude is contagious and affects the services that we provide and the way we feel about each other, our families, and ourselves.

There have been many studies conducted that have proven the benefits of laughter and the advantages of fun work environments. Based on those studies, The Gratitude Attitude markets a program that promises to improve employee retention by using fun and laughter as tools to promote positive attitudes throughout the work environment.

Entrepreneur makes gratitude a business