155 - Gratitude can rewire the brain - See one, do one, teach one

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5085955/ This is a narrative written by Dr. John Kelly from the Journal Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research. He discusses how gratitude can rewire the brain when it has good feelings flowing through it. He says, “The brain can literally be rewired to more easily transmit circuits associated with generation of good feelings. A willful and deliberate focus on all that is good in one’s life will shift one’s baseline temperament and increase feelings of well-being. But it requires a decision, and it requires practice.” He references Angeles Arrien’s “Living in Gratitude” and what he refers to as “Grateful Seeing”, making note that this deliberate choice is ours every minute of every day. Dr. Kelly also references that our ego’s often get in the way of our personal and professional lives. He notes that we rush and rush around searching for promotions and honors when we are missing our kids’ sports games or anniversaries. Then he says, “Contrast this plight to a surgeon who is close to his or her loved ones and arrives at work happy, balanced, and well-rested. This surgeon also does research and writes because it brings the satisfaction of effecting positive change and using one’s talents for a higher purpose.” The idea is that when our hearts and minds rest in a state of gratitude, everyone gets a better version of us to deal with. Your kids deserve a coach who is pouring from a full cup. Do things and live in such a way that will fill your cup so you can give your best to those who need you most. 155 – Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Gratitude can rewire the brain when it has good things flowing through it, it requires practice though. Grateful seeing, this choice is ours to make every day. When our hearts and mind are in a state of gratitude, everyone around us as well as ourselves get a better version of us to deal with.