It used to be that psychology research focused on what was wrong with people and people with mental illness diagnosis.  Starting in the 1950’s and really blossoming in the last 20 years is the field of Positive Psychology.  Why should you care?  Well the research coming out of this field can help you live longer, have better health, enjoy your relationships and live an authentic life.  Here’s the deal.  Each day you have lots of interaction with others -from your intimate relationships to the clerk at the grocery store.  Each day has thousands of “moments”.  And for the most part, you choose whether you are saying positive things or negative things in these encounters.

Research shows that in a marriage, a ratio of 5 to 1 (5 positive statements for each 1 negative statement) makes for a wonderful marriage -when you get to a ratio of 1 to 1 divorce is probably on its way.  Now don’t get me wrong,  Positive Psychology is not saying you have to walk around with a grin on your face all day spouting syrupy nonsense to everyone.  No, you have to listen to your feelings and sometimes your feelings just plain suck.  BUT, you can choose how you react to others.  Here’s a few practical ways to increase the amount of positive encounters in your life.

First, become a gentle observer of yourself.  Watch how many times you say something negative or criticize someone.  Keep a mental (or written) tally for a couple of days.   After that practice saying something kind or supportive….something positive to each person you encounter.  Not only will they feel good, you will to…and it spreads!  As each person you touch in a positive way then acts positive to another 2 people -the good feelings spread like amazing ripples.

Give it a try -and post a note here to let us know what happens!

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I’ve been following the relatively new field of Positive Psychology for the last few years –imagine studying people who are healthy and thriving and not just those with disorders and diagnosis –about time!

There are powerful research results coming out about the idea of gratitude.  Findings say that gratitude helps maintain close connections with others.  Gratitude is linked to more helping behaviors, high positive emotions, life satisfaction, increased hope and lower feelings of anxiety and envy.  Who doesn’t want that!

In a research study on happiness, people in one group were asked to write a letter of gratitude to someone, a 2nd group was asked to write down five things they were grateful for each day for one week, and a 3rd group was asked to write down five things they were grateful for on a single day.

There appeared to be more benefit to listing your blessings 1 day a week rather than everyday (I wonder if it was because it was easier to remember to do it once!).  All three interventions worked, providing people with increased happiness and hope.  And even more impressive –the benefits lasted up to 6 months.

Of all the happiness interventions to date– gratitude gives the strongest effects.

The affirmative prayer method that I practice daily has a gratitude component to it. Being grateful for what is right now and feeling what it’s like to already have what you have asked for.  When I practice affirmative prayer and get to the gratitude part, my heart always fills up so full…no matter what circumstances are appearing in my outside world…it is a wonderful feeling and always transforms me to a higher place.

Enjoy this season of gratitude, and post a comment on our blog about your experiences with gratitude…I’d love to hear them!

RT @TPEntrepreneur Still have that old bad habit? Here are 39 ways to finally bust through! http://budurl.com/njr9