Gratitude may be one of the most overlooked tools that we all have access to every day. Cultivating gratitude doesn’t cost any money and it certainly doesn’t take much time, but the benefits are enormous. I’m not kidding, people that are way smarter than I am research this stuff.
Like Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., a leading researcher, has conducted multiple studies on the link between gratitude and well-being. His research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.
I practice feeling grateful, and before you start rolling your eyes, and think I’m talking about some secret or something, I’m not. Practicing gratitude simply means you make it a habit to appreciate what you have instead of being so focused on what is missing. Listen, if you are reading this right now on a computer or a phone, then you have something to be grateful for.
Practicing gratitude allows you to focus on what is good in your life, and if you have a hard time doing that, it is a clear indicator that you are too focused on garbage… just sayin.
There are so many things I can be grateful for, running water, hot water, a flushing toilet, clippers for my rambunctious nose hair, the air I breathe, anything. When it comes to my art career, I have certain things that I am grateful for. I think if you can’t find things to be grateful for in your career, then it might be time to change things up.
I remind myself of these simple facts:
You’re always able to express your creativity.
You are doing work that you actually believe in.
Being your own boss and not having to answer to anyone else in what you create.
Being able to put paint on canvas anytime you want.
Seeing that what you’ve done has made someone happy.
Giving other people a new perspective.
Living the life that you want to live.
Creating art for yourself and no one else.
Deciding that it is time for something beautiful and surprising to come to life.
You get to see how you progress as an artist.
Living in a world where everything is an idea or possibility for new art.
Endlessly being able to learn and grow.
You have the potential to be famous for something you make.
Getting to play around all day in your studio.
Sharing your creations with amazing like minded people.
Experiencing the flow of creativity.
Being able to move people intellectually or emotionally through something you’ve made.
Making money from something you’ve made.
The pride and sense of accomplishment after you’ve finished a great painting, sketch, sculpture or installation.
You get to share your art with the world.
Seeing your art touch someone’s soul.
Getting to be part of an exclusive community of creative people.
How could I not be on top of the world after telling myself all of that?! Go ahead try it yourself!
-Rafi
