RCCS Tidbit of the Month: Giving Thanks

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The following post is from our Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS) Tidbit of the Month series. Each month, the RCCS Steering Committee creates practices to support our recovery culture within our programs and among staff. Click here to learn more about the RCCS.

RCCS Tidbit of the Month: Gratitude

A Component of the Five Awarenesses of the RCCS Program Culture

The Power of Gratitude

Scientific research continues to reveal what many have long known: gratitude transforms lives. Through neuroscience and positive psychology, we鈥檝e learned that practicing gratitude brightens our outlook and reshapes our brain鈥檚 response to experiences.

鈥淧iglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude.鈥

鈥 A.A. Milne, 鈥淲innie the Pooh鈥

Understanding Our Brain鈥檚 Natural Bias

Our brains tend to stick to negative experiences like Velcro while letting positive ones slip away like Teflon. This natural tendency helped our ancestors survive, but today, it can keep us caught in cycles of worry and stress. The good news? Gratitude can help reverse this pattern.

Simple Daily Practices

  1. Choose a peaceful moment in your day

  2. Reflect on 3-5 things that bring you joy or appreciation

  3. Share your gratitude with others to amplify its effect

Practice:

Starting Your Gratitude Journal:

Best Practices:

  • Focus on meaningful connections鈥攑eople, pets, health

  • Write with specificity and heart

  • Vary your entries to maintain freshness

  • Stay open to discovering new sources of appreciation

Gentle Reminders:

  • Let gratitude flow naturally, never forced

  • Avoid rigid rules or requirements

  • Take your time鈥攖his is about joy, not obligation

  • Allow your practice to evolve with you

Remember: Gratitude isn鈥檛 about denying life鈥檚 challenges. It鈥檚 about building resilience and finding balance by appreciating life鈥檚 large and small gifts.