IF ONLY PEOPLE WERE AS GRATEFUL AS DOGS . . .
Excerpt : IF ONLY PEOPLE WERE AS GRATEFUL AS DOGS . . . As I gave my dog a small morsel of toast the other day, I reflected on how grateful a creature she is. Abby is just as thrilled to receive a crumb as
IF ONLY PEOPLE WERE AS GRATEFUL AS DOGS . . .
As I gave my dog a small morsel of toast the other day, I reflected on how grateful a creature she is. Abby is just as thrilled to receive a crumb as she is to get a huge bone. She never complains that the crumb is too small, or too cold or too moldy even! She always wants more, but if I don't offer it she gets over it quickly. No sulking around for what she didn't get.
Wouldn't it be nice if more people were that way? Not that people are never grateful, but most of the time it's after an accident or a disaster. For example, after a fire you’ll often hear the victims say, "We lost everything. But at least we're alive and still have each other." People are also
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
grateful when they're frightened, hurt or down on their luck, and someone comes to their aid. Being on the receiving end of kindness when you need it most, always evokes feelings of gratitude.
When you're in a grateful state of mind, your inner brat is essentially disabled. You feel open and receptive. You feel connected to the world.
Being grateful for what you have is not just a more pleasant state of mind for the moment. There are lasting benefits, both mental and physical. Dr. Robert Emmons, a psychologist who specializes in research on gratitude, found that:
* People who kept a daily "gratitude journal" reported higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm and energy, than those who journaled about
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
Also see :
Kennel Cough In Dogs
The condition commonly known as "Kennel Cough" is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases that dogs can contract. The disease is not serious in...read more
The Best Toys for Your Dogs
Dogs is a major status symbol in American pet-keeping. Every year, over 12 billion dollars have been spent on dog food and veterinary care alone....read more
|
hassles or neutral events. This was the case even among people with neuromuscular disease.
* Grateful people report higher levels of life satisfaction and optimism.
* They also are more likely to share their possessions and to help others in need, thereby increasing their feelings of involvement and being appreciated themselves.
* They are less envious, less resentful, less bitter, and less neurotic. They are also less materialistic.
* Grateful people do not ignore problems. If anything, they may be somewhat more cynical than average. While they may anticipate more difficulties, they are also thankful when other people help make their life easier.
Besides feelings of well-being, an
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
appreciative attitude can also have physical health benefits. One study showed that people who were instructed to focus on appreciation for five minutes had better heart rhythms, than did those who were told to think about anger for the same five minutes.
If this doesn't get you enthused, consider the following research finding: In a study of 180 nuns over time, those who wrote about being positive and appreciative early in life, lived on average 6-9 years longer than those who were pessimistic and negative.
Even if you have a good number of years behind you, it is not too late to expand your gratitude and appreciation. When you do, your inner brat will instantly recede to the background.
But
Buy this Photographic Print at AllPosters.com
gratitude doesn't just reduce negative feelings. It also increases positive ones. Instead of feeling angry, empty or victimized, you will experience contentment and perhaps even joy. Despite the stresses and difficulties you're facing, you'll start to notice more beauty in the world.
Here are some tips on cultivating an appreciative attitude:
1. Make a point of saying "Thank you" to someone twice a day.
2. Keep a gratitude journal. Every night before going to bed, write down three things that went well that day. This put you in a positive frame of mind and may help you fall asleep more easily.
3. Think of someone in your past who had a positive influence on you, but whom you never thanked. Write
Buy this Matted Print at AllPosters.com
that person a letter of thanks. If possible arrange a visit (without telling the purpose of your visit) and deliver the letter in person.
4. Answer the following question: If you had your life to live over again, what would you NOT do differently? This will give you insight into more positive aspects of your past, and will help you appreciate how you came to be who you are today.
About the Author
Pauline Wallin, Ph.D. is a psychologist in Camp Hill, PA, and author of "Taming Your Inner Brat: A Guide for Transforming Self-defeating Behavior" (Wildcat Canyon Press, 2004)
Visit http://www.innerbrat.com for more information, and subscribe to her free, monthly Inner Brat Newsletter.
More Dogs Articles
Scottish Terrier Dogs - Important Facts
Scottish Terriers are short-legged dogs, at a height of ten to eleven inches, comparatively heavy-boned, yet deceivingly trim. They are agile and...
Boxers Dogs as Pets - Are they right for you?...
Pet Boxers, although low-maintenance, require your consistent attention, exercise, human interaction, consistent obedience training and lots of love....
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
For Dog Lovers Like You and Me
|
sitemap
Partners :
Debt Consolidation | WoW Gold | Jobs search | Find jobs | Package Holidays
copyright www.knowaboutdogs.com 2006
|
Recently Added Dogs Articles
Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats
All consumed food is eventually converted to sugar, the energy
source for every organ in the body and for every cell in every
organ. If too much...read more
~Dumb Dogs~
Dogs are smarter than most people give them credit for. People
often will say, "Dumb dog" referring to a dog. Is it possible
that they only pretend...read more
Your Dog's Health May Be At Risk!
Dogs should be living to age 20 or more. That's their natural lifespan. But it's being cut short by chemical toxicity in your dog's environment...read more
The Importance Of Breeds Of Dogs
Dogs are considered as man's best friend. If one decides to get
a dog for a pet, one can choose either a specific breed
otherwise known as pure...read more
Want To Start With Dog Shows? Show Small Dogs!
The lights, the ring, the glamour! Ever think you might like to become involved with showing dogs? If so, then starting with "toy" or small dogs can...read more
.gif)
Flea Control for Dogs
There are many different methods of flea control. If you have a dog, flea control is an important part of being a responsible owner. After all, no...read more
Beyond Blackey & Smokey - 10 Great Ideas for Naming Black Dogs
How can you look the dog in the eyes ever again? Every time you
call his name, he wallows in shame. You've banished him to the
lowest level of dog...read more
How Much Time Can Dogs Stay Alone?
If you are going to leave your dog alone for a long period of
time then don't be surprised with the behavior issues he might
develop. Being alone,...read more
Dogs And Pets Provide Health Benefits
Do dogs provide health benefits? Believe it or not they do! Did
you know that owning a dog and pet ownership in general, can
help a person in many...read more
Allergies in dogs
Allergies are one of the most common complaints among dog
owners. Truly, not too many puppies have allergies their first
year but many are already...read more
Some News About Dogs
|
