Mindset Monday: Gratitude and Thankfulness

I love Mel Robbins. Sometimes I think she must have a direct line to my brain….or my Alexa! I was having a text conversation with a friend yesterday about Gratitude and Thankfulness; amazingly, that is what Mel’s podcast focused on today. Please take a listen when time permits.

I want to use Mel’s podcast as a focus for this week’s Mindset Monday. Achieving optimal well-being goes beyond physical prowess; it encompasses nurturing a positive mindset. That is why I focus on the 3MS: Meals, Movement, Mindset and Sleep.

Two powerful states of mind that can significantly impact our overall well-being are gratitude and thankfulness. While often used interchangeably, these terms possess unique qualities that, when understood and practiced consciously, can revolutionize our approach to life and its challenges. In today’s Mindset Monday, I want to briefly explore the differences between gratitude and thankfulness, and how embracing each can enhance our health and fitness journey.

Gratitude is more than just saying "thank you." It is a profound state of being that involves recognizing and appreciating the blessings, abundance, and positive aspects of life, regardless of the circumstances. It is the ability to shift our focus from what is lacking or challenging to what we already have and cherish. Gratitude is a mindset that fosters contentment, joy, and an overall sense of well-being. Even when things are not always going as planned, we can still experience gratitude for what we have that is positive in our lives.

In the realm of health and fitness, cultivating gratitude can have transformative effects. It allows us to appreciate the capabilities of our bodies, the opportunity for growth and self-improvement, and the support system around us. By embracing gratitude, we shift our attention from comparing ourselves to others or fixating on our shortcomings, and instead, we focus on the progress we've made and the positive changes we are experiencing.

In the podcast Mel also touches on the topic of “Toxic Gratitude.” This is a topic that could be an entire post alone. I won’t go down the rabbit hole today, but this is a topic that I will revisit in the future.

Thankfulness is an act of expressing gratitude. It involves acknowledging and showing appreciation for the kindness, support, and gestures of goodwill we receive from others. While gratitude is an internal state of being, thankfulness is its external manifestation.

In the context of health and fitness, expressing thankfulness can strengthen our relationships, deepen connections, and create a positive and supportive environment. It allows us to recognize the contributions of our coaches, mentors, workout partners, community of supporters and loved ones who have played a role in our journey. By expressing our gratitude, we uplift and inspire others, fostering a sense of community and mutual growth.

The Power of Integrating Gratitude and Thankfulness

When we combine gratitude and thankfulness in our health and fitness journey, we create a powerful synergy. Embracing gratitude helps us develop a positive mindset that enables us to navigate challenges with resilience and a sense of purpose. It empowers us to find joy in the process rather than obsessing over the outcomes.

At the same time, practicing thankfulness nurtures our relationships and fosters a sense of belonging and support. It reminds us that we are not alone in our journey and that we have people who genuinely care about our well-being.

In the pursuit of our health goals, mindset plays a critical role. By understanding the distinction between gratitude and thankfulness, we can harness their combined power to transform our lives.

I hope you have a wonderful week.

Be well.

References

Mel Robbins Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-science-of-gratitude-6-surprising-ways-youre/id1646101002?i=1000616578224