|
Definition of Attitude
a person’s opinions or feelings about a specific thing, person, or idea
Examples of Attitude in a sentence
His positive attitude helped everyone enjoy the trip during the rainstorm.
The video player is currently playing an ad.
Without his mother to encourage him, the struggling student developed a horrible attitude towards school.
The nurse’s attitude regarding drug use strengthened after seeing newborns going through withdrawal.
Top Storiesby WordsInASentence00:2801:00
Even Christmastime could not soften Scrooge’s selfish attitude.
He has an ambivalent attitude towards her.
He has a positive attitude about the changes.
She's friendly and has a good attitude.
You need to change your bad attitude.
There's been a change in his attitude since his accident.
His attitude toward her did an about face so obvious that even Jonathan noticed.
People's attitude towards the president varies widely.
Almost any situationgood or bad ㅡis affected by the attitude we bring to
I really don't know if you ave a favorable ATTITUDE toward the change.
"They had a favorable attitude toward the change."
Unlocking Your Potential
"She needs to change her attitude about life.
People need to change their ATTITUDE about rapid change.
The daughter's ATTITUDE toward her ,mother was unhealthy.
His positive attitude helped everyone enjoy the trip during the rainstorm.
GRATITUDE
5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Happiness and Relationships
The surprising benefits of gratitude.
Posted May 8, 2023
Reviewed by Michelle Quirk
Share on FacebookShare
Share on TwitterTweet
Share via EmailEmail
1. Learn the “Attitudes of Gratitude”
M.J. Ryan’s short book is a great place to start. Each chapter in her Attitudes of Gratitude is just two or three pages, designed to be read one chapter each day.
Step by step, these simple exercises will help you plant seeds of gratitude that will blossom into warm smiles and happy connections.
I love to recommend this book because it started my own gratitude journey many years ago.
It is your attitude, more than your aptitude, that will determine your altitude.”
You've probably heard the above Zig Ziglar quote before or perhaps seen it on a poster.
I've always liked it because it says success depends more on a willingness
to work hard, rather than raw talent
KEY POINTS
Cultivate gratitude to nurture your happiness and boost your relationships.
Research shows that keeping a gratitude journal for as little as two or weeks can increase your well-being.
Gratitude notes, visits, and rituals are additional ways to boost your happiness and relationships.
Drazen/Adobe Stock
Source: Drazen/Adobe Stock
Co-authored with Joel Klepac, a licensed marriage and family therapist.
Warm and caring relationships feel wonderful.
Who doesn’t love being seen and appreciated? In fact, research shows your positive relationships are the key factor in determining how long and happy your life will be.
So, how do you nurture these prized relationships?
Cultivating gratitude is one proven way, and it’s a learnable skill. It feels good, too!
article continues after advertisement
Start nurturing your happiness and your relationships today with these easy practices:
1. Learn the “Attitudes of Gratitude”
M.J. Ryan’s short book is a great place to start. Each chapter in her Attitudes of Gratitude is just two or three pages, designed to be read one chapter each day.
Step by step, these simple exercises will help you plant seeds of gratitude that will blossom into warm smiles and happy connections.
I love to recommend this book because it started my own gratitude journey many years ago.
It is your attitude, more than your aptitude, that will determine your altitude.”
You've probably heard the above Zig Ziglar quote before or perhaps seen it on a poster.
I've always liked it because it says success depends more on a willingness
to work hard, rather than raw talent
attitude (n.)
1660s, "posture or position of a figure in a statue or painting," via French attitude (17c.), from Italian attitudine "disposition, posture," also "aptness, promptitude," from Late Latin aptitudinem (nominative aptitudo; see aptitude, which is its doublet).
Originally 17c. a technical term in art; later generalized to "a posture of the body supposed to imply some mental state" (1725). The sense of "a settled behavior reflecting feeling or opinion" is by 1837. The meaning "habitual mode of regarding" is short for attitude of mind (1757). Connotations of "antagonistic and uncooperative" developed by 1962 in slang.
Attitude is generally studied for the sake of looking graceful ; hence it is sometimes affected, the practice of it being then called attitudinizing. An attitude is often taken intentionally for the purpose of imitation or exemplification ; generally attitude is more artistic than posture. [Century Dictionary]
Ever so gently, it opened my awareness of what it means to see relationships, and life itself, through a lens of gratitude.
2. Journal for Gratitude
A gratitude journal is a proven way to “jump-start” your gratitude journey. And it’s easy:
Just write down three things you’re feeling grateful for and the feelings they evoke.
The writing part is key—it brings more benefits than just thinking about the good in your world.
Research shows that keeping a daily gratitude journal for as little as two or three weeks can increase your well-being.
Using a gratitude journal has even been shown to boost well-being in individuals working in intense professions like health care.
Sharing positive emotions like gratitude, awe, and humor strengthens your relationships.
Stronger relationships invite even more sharing, nurturing even stronger bonds. Before you know it, you’re on an upward spiral of positive connections.
3. Write Gratitude Notes and Letters
In our fast-paced and often frenetic world, a handwritten note really stands out.
Think about the last time you received a personal card or note via “snail mail.” How did it feel to know someone took the time to write a personal note to you?
So, take a few minutes right now to write a note of gratitude.
It doesn’t have to be long. A simple, “Thanks for caring—it really means so much to me” can have an outsized impact. Sure, you can text or email it, but just imagine their smile as they open and read a real note or card.
article continues after advertisement
If it feels right, make it a longer letter. Maybe to a teacher or mentor, or someone who helped you through a tough time. Perhaps to a family member whom you admire. The possibilities are endless—and energizing.
4. Make Gratitude Visits
Sometimes it feels right to express your gratitude in person. Consider writing a note and reading it to them in person. Research shows this practice can boost your happiness and the recipient’s as well.
While this is perhaps the most vulnerable of these five practices, having a script makes it easier. If you’re nervous, know that’s normal. To increase your comfort level, consider reading it out loud to a friend before delivering it for real.
So, go ahead—write the letter. Make a visit and strengthen the bond. Likely, it will be a moment to remember—both for them and for you.
THE BASICS
Gratitude
Find a therapist near me
5. Connect Rituals of Gratitude
Is there a place in your life where you'd like to add some positive energy? A gratitude practice just might be the ticket. Many find it meaningful to express gratitude before rolling out of bed in the morning. Others find it's helpful and connecting to express it with meals or at the end of their day.
US
Search
Find a Therapist (City or Zip)
David Fessell M.D.
David Fessell M.D.
Unlocking Your Potential
GRATITUDE
5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Happiness and Relationships
The surprising benefits of gratitude.
Posted May 8, 2023
Reviewed by Michelle Quirk
Share on FacebookShare
Share on TwitterTweet
Share via EmailEmail
KEY POINTS
Cultivate gratitude to nurture your happiness and boost your relationships.
Research shows that keeping a gratitude journal for as little as two or weeks can increase your well-being.
Gratitude notes, visits, and rituals are additional ways to boost your happiness and relationships.
Drazen/Adobe Stock
Source: Drazen/Adobe Stock
Co-authored with Joel Klepac, a licensed marriage and family therapist.
Warm and caring relationships feel wonderful. Who doesn’t love being seen and appreciated? In fact, research shows your positive relationships are the key factor in determining how long and happy your life will be.
So, how do you nurture these prized relationships? Cultivating gratitude is one proven way, and it’s a learnable skill. It feels good, too!
article continues after advertisement
Start nurturing your happiness and your relationships today with these easy practices:
1. Learn the “Attitudes of Gratitude”
M.J. Ryan’s short book is a great place to start. Each chapter in her Attitudes of Gratitude is just two or three pages, designed to be read one chapter each day. Step by step, these simple exercises will help you plant seeds of gratitude that will blossom into warm smiles and happy connections.
I love to recommend this book because it started my own gratitude journey many years ago. Ever so gently, it opened my awareness of what it means to see relationships, and life itself, through a lens of gratitude.
2. Journal for Gratitude
A gratitude journal is a proven way to “jump-start” your gratitude journey. And it’s easy: Just write down three things you’re feeling grateful for and the feelings they evoke. The writing part is key—it brings more benefits than just thinking about the good in your world.
Research shows that keeping a daily gratitude journal for as little as two or three weeks can increase your well-being. Using a gratitude journal has even been shown to boost well-being in individuals working in intense professions like health care.
Sharing positive emotions like gratitude, awe, and humor strengthens your relationships. Stronger relationships invite even more sharing, nurturing even stronger bonds. Before you know it, you’re on an upward spiral of positive connections.
3. Write Gratitude Notes and Letters
In our fast-paced and often frenetic world, a handwritten note really stands out. Think about the last time you received a personal card or note via “snail mail.” How did it feel to know someone took the time to write a personal note to you?
So, take a few minutes right now to write a note of gratitude. It doesn’t have to be long. A simple, “Thanks for caring—it really means so much to me” can have an outsized impact. Sure, you can text or email it, but just imagine their smile as they open and read a real note or card.
article continues after advertisement
If it feels right, make it a longer letter. Maybe to a teacher or mentor, or someone who helped you through a tough time. Perhaps to a family member whom you admire. The possibilities are endless—and energizing.
4. Make Gratitude Visits
Sometimes it feels right to express your gratitude in person. Consider writing a note and reading it to them in person. Research shows this practice can boost your happiness and the recipient’s as well.
While this is perhaps the most vulnerable of these five practices, having a script makes it easier. If you’re nervous, know that’s normal. To increase your comfort level, consider reading it out loud to a friend before delivering it for real.
So, go ahead—write the letter. Make a visit and strengthen the bond. Likely, it will be a moment to remember—both for them and for you.
THE BASICS
Gratitude
Find a therapist near me
5. Connect Rituals of Gratitude
Is there a place in your life where you'd like to add some positive energy? A gratitude practice just might be the ticket. Many find it meaningful to express gratitude before rolling out of bed in the morning. Others find it's helpful and connecting to express it with meals or at the end of their day.
article continues after advertisement
Why not become a “connoisseur of gratitude?” Notice its many forms, sizes, and shapes. Consider creating your own rituals, crafting them in ways that hold meaning for you.
Helping Your Gratitude Practice Stick
If you want your new gratitude practice to stick, an easy hack is to link it to something you already do, like your morning coffee or your daily commute. And for even more positive benefits, pick a time when you habitually do something you’d like to do less of, like scrolling on social media. Replace that activity with your favorite gratitude practice.
GRATITUDE ESSENTIAL READS
Looking for a Happiness Boost? Try These 7 Habits
Carpe Diem and Gratitude Through Museums
More positive plus less negative = even more positive! That’s a double boost of good news for you and your relationships.
Avoiding Potential Pitfalls
Knowing a few common derailers can help bring more ease and even stronger connections on your journey.
To start, it’s helpful to bring realistic expectations. Gratitude is not a cure-all for every challenge or setback. It’s not a shortcut for avoiding grief and disappointment. All lives have challenges—they’re a very real part of what it means to be human.
And cultivating gratitude is not about giving advice. Telling someone (or yourself) to “Just be grateful,” is not what it’s about. When pain is present, offering empathy is more helpful and usually better received.
Finally, know that the topic of gratitude is not a fit for everyone, and that’s OK. If it only boosts your inner world, that’s enough. Others will enjoy your increased happiness—and so will you.
article continues after advertisement
Gratitude Awaits
When you attune to the good in your world and express thanks, you’re offering others—and yourself—a wonderful gift. Happily, it's a gift you can give over and over again. You can choose to bring gratitude to a world that needs it. The only question left is this: Which practices will you pick on this exciting journey?
article continues after advertisement