Kwitchyerbellyakin
My grandfather, Garman Kimmell, had a needlepoint piece with that saying framed in his office. I can remember the first time I was able to read it and realize it was actually four words, misspelled, and run together. I thought it was funny then, and I think it is an appropriate sentiment to reflect on as we approach Thanksgiving.
The saying is attributed to Dorothy Multer, who was often referred to as the loneliest woman in North America. Dorothy lived for 56 years (1930-1986) on Knife Lake in the Boundary Waters area of northern Minnesota. To reach the nearest road required 15 miles of travel by water and five portages over land, typically taking approximately one and a half days of travel. She had no electricity, telephone or utilities, cooked with portable propane tanks, used a battery powered 2-way radio, and heated her cabin in winter with wood. Yet she was grateful for her life and her friends.
We live in an embarrassment of riches and peace. In the last century, we have seen previously unimaginable progress and improvements. From horse and buggy to electric cars, from the abacus to the smartphone, from iron to touch sensitive glass, from hunting and farming to same day delivery of anything you can imagine. Additionally, fewer people die from fewer wars, fewer diseases, and fewer famines than in any other time in recorded history.
So, why are we so unhappy?
According to recent Gallup data, global unhappiness is at a record high. People report increasing levels of stress, anger, sadness, and worry. Interestingly, young adults in the United States seem to be experiencing more unhappiness compared to older generations. If you doubt the data, just scroll through your social media feed or turn on the news. We have more than we have ever had before, and we are less happy than we have ever been.
Germany Kent, author of The Hope Handbook, said, “Gratitude is one of the most powerful human emotions. Once expressed, it changes attitude, brightens outlook, and broadens our perspective.” The key to happiness is gratefulness. The path to a better outlook is to stop complaining and start thanking.
Gratitude is simply acknowledging and appreciating the good things and people in our lives. It is a positive emotion. When we express gratitude, our brains release dopamine and serotonin—two important neurotransmitters that regulate our moods and emotions. These chemicals can help us feel happier, more content, and less stressed.
The key is “express.” In order to receive the benefit of gratefulness, we have to express it. People who are grateful and routinely express it experience reduced stress and anxiety, better sleep quality, increased self-esteem, and increased resilience. In business terms, that is a fantastic ROI (return on investment)! If you are not currently a grateful person, you can become one with a few simple practices.
Start a gratefulness journal. If the word ‘journal’ bothers or scares you, call it a list. Every day, write down three to five things you are grateful for. They can be small things like seeing a sunrise or the smell of coffee. They can be big things like a promotion or completing a project. By taking time to focus on positive aspects of your life, you will train your brain to see more of the good.
Tell other people you appreciate them. This is where the brain chemical magic happens. Since I know you are a self-interested person (we all are), this is the reward for you. However, expressing gratitude to the people around you also benefits them. You make them feel better, strengthen your relationship with them, and increase the sense of community the two of you feel.
Finally, practice mindfulness. When you focus on being present in the moment you begin to notice things you missed before. Sights and sounds that were eclipsed by your busy-ness become opportunities for appreciation. This Thanksgiving, I challenge you to Kwitchyerbellyakin and practice gratefulness. Tell the people in your life how they have benefited you and how you appreciate them. Slow down and look at the world around you filled with beauty and wonder. As you sit down to eat, think about the miracle you are experiencing to have so much and to be enjoying it in peace. Giving thanks for all we have makes us healthy and happy, and it is the Bison Way.