Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Positivity for Mental Wellness

Key takeaways

• Say Something Nice and Share Positivity

• Perform Random Acts of Forgiveness

• Pay it Forward

• The Power of Gratitude

Say Something Nice and Share Positivity

If a kind word goes a long way, imagine how far several of them can go. Or how they positively affect the person hearing them. That’s what MHCS hopes to accomplish. Wednesday, June 1, is National Say Something Nice Day. We encourage you to share positivity and help spread kindness all month long with friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances, and anyone you meet. Let’s show that a little kindness can help make someone’s day – and the world – much happier.

In 2006, the mayor of North Charleston, South Carolina, declared June 1 as Say Something Nice Day to recognize a local man’s efforts in communication. That man, Mitchell Carnell, later published “Say Something Nice: Be a Lifter!” to help detail the health benefits of inspiring and uplifting others.

Perform Random Acts of Forgiveness

As a species, we make mistakes and sometimes wrong others. We are, after all, only human. And when you’ve been wronged or feel betrayed, it might be easy to hold a grudge. But that resentment carries with it some heavy baggage that affects mental wellness. With Random Acts of Kindness Day just around the corner, MHCS wanted to offer some advice. Perform random acts of forgiveness – for yourself. Ease the weight of animosity and discover peace by letting go.

Being tricked, mislead, lied to, or otherwise hurt by anyone seems unfair, especially if it’s someone you trust. This can lead to a barrage of adverse emotions, from anger to sorrow and everything in between. You may even build barriers to protect yourself from being wronged again, but you’re also left to deal with those negative feelings.

Pay it Forward

I remember seeing the movie Pay It Forward, starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Haley Joel Osment, in 2000. The movie plot and book, by the same name, was based on this one premise…do something for 3 people in response to a favor or gift that one receives. Those three people will then help three other people and the positive impact will increase geometrically.

The concept is not new, but it might be one that could be dusted off and remembered as the conclusion of 2016 approaches. Earlier contributions to this concept can be found in different places and times throughout history. Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to Benjamin Webb dated April 25, 1784, wrote, “I do not pretend to give such a deed. I only lend it to you. When you…meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation…I hope it may thus go thro ’many hands…”

The Power of Gratitude

The time of year we focus on being thankful has settled upon us. Have you thought lately about what you are grateful for? Do you know why this exercise so important? Because it reminds us that there are positives in this world even in the face of adversity. When we focus our attention on what we appreciate, our blessings, what we hold dear to our hearts, we can’t help but feel a sense of peace and contentment. Gratitude melts away resentment, envy, longing for the things we do not or cannot have. Gratitude grounds us in the here and now.

So, what are you grateful for? Family? Friends? A home cooked meal? Your job? Nature? The deer passing through your backyard? The sound of children laughing? The click-clack of your pet’s nails on the floor? Chocolate? As my niece stated, “People who use deodorant?”

When to reach out

If symptoms are affecting relationships, work, school, sleep, or daily routines, professional support can help you sort through what is happening and choose a realistic next step.

MHCS provides therapy and mental health support for individuals, couples, families, teens, and adults.