“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorns have roses.”

― Alphonse Karr —

With all the challenges and changes we face today, it is all too easy to focus on the bad. This becomes a comfort zone that seeps into our outlook on life, disabling our ability to see the good around us.

Luckily, we all have the power to change this, with a simple decision to express appreciation. 

A simple decision that can change our outlook in an instant, and like the warm rays of morning sun, brighten up even the darkest of days.  

Gratitude is not viewing life as half full or half empty, it is not ignorance or naivety; gratitude is the transformative action of choosing where to set your eyes and heart. It’s choosing humility, choosing to be kind to yourself and choosing to set the climate of your heart to be a space of joy and peace.

More than just an emotional decision, gratitude has therapeutic benefits. It can boost your mental health, help you accept change, and relieve stress while creating a more relaxed state of being.

It turns out that gratitude can be cultivated, just like the pruning of a beautiful rose bush. As we develop habits and behaviour around gratitude, it flourishes within us, producing increasing joy and peace.

Soon you’ll begin to realise that your happiness is just a matter of perspective and that taking the time to look at the whole picture reveals the good in our lives.

So how do we start?

We have two simple, daily activities to get you started on path of practising gratitude.

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Each day take some time to think about the good things in your life. Consider what you have experienced since your last journal entry and identify at least one good thing that happened in that time. Think about your loved ones, your friends, and the people that care for you. Ponder on the things you like about your self and your strengths, and write them all down.

Share Your Gratitude with Others

Research has found that expressing gratitude can strengthen relationships. So the next time your partner, friend, family member or helper does something you appreciate, be sure to let them know. 

You’ll be amazed at how quickly these two disciplines can transform your life. Soon you’ll begin to realise that your happiness is just a matter of perspective and that taking the time to look at the whole picture reveals the good in our lives. Shifting your focus from the thorns to the roses is far more fun.

At La Domaine Care, we cultivate an environment that is marked by gratefulness. Whether it’s through daily acts of kindness or our activities that encourage ongoing community amongst our residents. Grey hair is a crown of glory and at La Domaine Care it’s a privilege to support our residents in this season of their life.