My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Therapist's Thoughts. Will you join me in Gratitude?

I have many passions in my profession - one of which is Positive Psychology (Martin Seligman).   Creating a group around these activities is one of my goals.   I am inviting you to follow me on a journey of some suggestions he offers that can change lives and create a greater sense of well-being.  I would love to hear what your experience is like as you try these exercises!  (Flourish, Martin Seligman, p. 361)

"1.  The Gratitude Visit.  Close your eyes.  Call up the face of someone still alive who years ago did something or said something that changed your life for the better.  Someone who you never properly thanked; someone you could meet face-to-face next week.  Got a face?  Gratitude can make your life happier and more satisfying.  When we feel gratitude, we benefit from the pleasant memory of a positive event in our life ... in this exercise called the "Gratitude Visit"  you will have the opportunity to experience what it is like to express your gratitude in a thoughtful, purposeful manner.  Your task is to write a letter of gratitude to this individual and deliver it in person.  The letter should be concrete and about three hundred words: be specific about what she did for you and how it affected your life.  Let her know what your are doing now, and mention how you often remember what she did.  Make it sing!  Once you have written, call the person and tell her you'd like to visit her, but be vague about the purpose of this meeting; this exercise is much more fun when it is a surprise.  When you meet her, take your time reading your letter. After you have read the letter, discuss the content and your feelings for each other.  You will be happier and less depressed one month from now."

After some reflection, I have begun my letter :)!  I look forward to sharing mine and would love to hear about your experience!

8 comments:

Lucent Imagery said...

What a lovely coincidence! I've been forming a gratitude email in my head these past few days that I will be sending to a person who was kind to me 8 years ago! xx

Becky Andrews said...

Lucent - That is indeed a lovely coincidence! So great to hear from you!

GOOSE said...

What a pleasant challenge. MOM is going to give it a go. But the person is far away. Hopefully sending it will be just as effective.
Blessings,
Goose

Becky Andrews said...

Goose - Exciting! Yes, I think sending it is also very special. Can't wait to hear.

wendy said...

GREAT idea...I have someone in mind. But...they live far away, so I'll have to write the letter and mail it. BUT...I think they'd still be thrilled to get it.

Becky Andrews said...

Wendy - so fun. I can just visualize them going to their mailbox and getting something so special!

Unknown said...

LOVE this idea! The exercise of reflecting brought such seeing beautiful. So looking forward to writing and delivering the letter. Thank you so much for the idea!

Becky Andrews said...

Lydia - Fabulous! Such a wonderful, beautiful experience from both perspectives, isn't it -- giving and recieving!