A few weeks ago I took a survey online called the Strength Finder. After answering a series of multiple choice questions, I was presented with my top five strengths. Number one? Gratitude. I was floored. I didn't consider myself a very grateful person. Sure, I count my blessings every single night before I go to sleep, but I wouldn't describe myself as grateful. I would never consider it my top strength. It felt like a lame strength to have. I couldn't think of a single way that it would help me land a job, buy a house or build my future. I wished I'd gotten something more admirable as my greatest strength, like creativity or wisdom.
After I took the Strength Finder, I started noticing all of the ways I showed gratitude in my life without even realizing it. I always say thank you to my bus drivers; I make a point to tell my close friends and family that I appreciate them; I'm thankful for my health each and every day. Once I realized the gratitude that I was already showing, I became determined to become even more grateful.
I sent random messages of kindness to people in my phone. I went above and beyond in my relationship. I started to become truly appreciative that I got out of my bed each morning. Slowly but surely, gratitude became a critical part of my daily life. If I hadn't expressed gratitude, I felt driven to do so--even if it was something as simple as smiling at someone I passed on the sidewalk.
Choosing gratitude has truly changed my life for the better. I'm finally aware of all the fantastic things going on in my life. I'm more thankful for my friends, my family, my boyfriend, my health, my school...the list goes on and on. It's honestly given me a new lease on life. I know it sounds cheesy, but I'm more at peace. I'm an inherently anxious person who is slowly learning to take things as they come and appreciate every moment.
One of the biggest ways that gratitude has changed my life is my own self-confidence. Being more grateful has made me kinder to others, but it's also made me kinder to myself. The negative thoughts that filter into my mind used to throw me off guard and ruin my mood. Now that I'm appreciating my life more, I also appreciate the good mental health days. I know that I'll probably always have some negative thoughts, but I'm learning to not let them affect me as much.
When I look in the mirror, I see a different person. Someone who's kinder, someone who's thankful for all of their blessings, someone who is constantly learning and growing into the best version of herself. Becoming aware of my gratitude, and then choosing to make it a more important part of my life, is the best decision I've ever made. I'm grateful (haha) that I took the Strengths Finder because it showed me a beautiful version of myself that I had been overlooking.
If you're interested in taking the Strength Finder yourself, click here. First, you're going to need to register (don't worry, it's free) and then you'll be in the Authentic Happiness Testing Center. Under "Engagement Questionnaires" click "VIA Survey of Character Strengths." Select "Take Test." Make sure you have at least 30 minutes to an hour set aside to take the test--it's 240 questions and must be taken in one sitting. Be prepared to learn more about yourself than you thought possible. Enjoy!
