#Microblog Monday 329: Happiness by Subtraction
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I read about a different way to do gratitude. Instead of noting what you’re grateful for, which can sometimes feel like a statement of the obvious, think of one positive aspect of your life (such as a loved one, job, home, friend) and then mentally subtract it. What would your life be like without that loved one, job, home, friend? How would its absence change your health or day-to-day life? What are the ripple effects of not having this aspect of your life?
That is appreciation.
Realizing that there is always an otherwise, but you’re not living that otherwise. You’re living this life.
I thought that was an interesting way of looking at things.
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4 comments
I don’t know about this – sometimes my house is more of a burden than a refuge. My job is universally irritating and I can’t wait to retire, but for as long as I have to work, the benefits are spectacular. Seems like so much of my life is a trade-off that I’m better off looking at the positives. Subtracting things out might make me feel less appreciative and more…thoughtful. 🙂
Interesting perspective. Applying this method to current life, I find that I was grateful for many aspects of my pre-pandemic life, though I doubt that I would’ve recognized that feeling at the time. Things like: having a good set-up in my workspace at my office; being able to freely chat with colleagues in the office throughout the day; the freedom to meet friends for brunch/lunch/happy hour and sit close to them, inside; time apart from my kids while they were at school, and I was at work, five days a week.
Yeah.
That is an interesting perspective and one I think I’ll try on for size. I for one am recognizing the appreciation I have for kids being able to go to a school and meeting friends in coffee shops or restaurants. Or right now, it’s more of an I miss that something fierce.
That is an interesting perspective and one I think I’ll try on for size. I for one am recognizing the appreciation I have for kids being able to go to a school and meeting friends in coffee shops or restaurants. Or right now, it’s more of an I miss that something fierce.