IT SHOULDN’T TAKE A MEDICAL ‘NEAR MISS’ TO MAKE ME TRULY GRATEFUL....

...but it did. 

On Monday evening, I struggled to go to sleep. I was restless and was experiencing mild indigestion. Meanwhile my mind, while not quite manic – I am 'blessed' with bipolar – was certainly racing. I tried the usual default strategies of washing my face, cooling down my neck, and even reading a chapter of my book. All to no avail. My last resort in these circumstances is always to take a walk outside and sit and enjoy the stars for a few minutes. Usually works wonders. 

So, at 1.30am I donned my slippers and dressing gown and tip toed down the landing before... well, the honest answer is that I have no idea. However I am reliably informed I made the most almighty crash before being found out for the count for several minutes lying on the floor with my eyes wide open.  

Turns out I trashed the chest of drawers on the way down and made a good old dent in the wall to boot. Tuesday was spent in the incredible hands of our beloved NHS, being ferried in an ambulance (for the first time) and ensconced in the local A&E having every possible test known to man. Including no less than six ECG’s. Just to be sure! Before ultimately been given a clean bill of health and the all clear. Thank the Lord.

Phew, having had a day considering the alternative diagnoses including epilepsy and three of the scariest words on the planet uttered by my amazing doctor - 'possible heart attack’ - this was top say the least a massive relief.

Almost immediately I was consumed by a feeling of extraordinary gratitude. Primarily to all the tireless, selfless and deeply underpaid and under appreciated care team but also to my incredible family, dear friends and incredible colleagues who were, once again unconditionally supportive in my time of need. 

The question I kept asking myself afterwards was simple – why did it require such a scare to make me feel so incredibly grateful? 

So, I thought I’d do a little digging into the importance and power of gratitude. My findings and scientific research was eye opening to say the least.  

Starting with the basics. Gratitude is the appreciation of what you receive. It comes from the word gratia which means grace, gracious or gratefulness.

Research has found that when we express gratitude, the brain releases a surge of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

A recent article in Forbes magazine explained that cultivating gratitude doesn’t cost any money and it certainly doesn’t take much time, but the benefits are enormous. Research reveals gratitude can have these seven benefits:

1. Gratitude opens the door to more relationships. Not only does saying 'thank you' constitute good manners but showing appreciation can help you win new friends. Whether you thank a stranger for holding the door or send a quick thank-you note to that co-worker who helped you with a project, acknowledging other people’s kindness opens new doors.

2. Gratitude improves physical health. Not surprisingly, grateful people are also more likely to take care of their health. People who express gratitude experience fewer aches and pains, and they consistently report feeling healthier than other people.

3. Gratitude improves psychological health. Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, ranging from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. Bottom line research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.

4. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression. Grateful people are more likely to have more sensitivity and empathy toward other people and a decreased desire to seek revenge.

5. A Gratitude journal leads to fewer negative emotions:  Spend just 5 minutes jotting down a few grateful sentiments before bed, and you may see untold benefits. Gratitude journals have substantial positive effects on your wellbeing. I can personally attest to that.

6. Gratitude improves self-esteem. Gratitude increases athlete’s self-esteem, which is an essential component to optimal performance. Critically gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs grateful people can appreciate other people’s accomplishments.

7. Gratitude increases mental strength. For years, research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress, but it may also play a major role in overcoming trauma. Gratitude was a major contributor to resilience following the terrorist attacks on September 11. Recognizing all you have to be thankful for – even during the worst times of your life – fosters resilience.

Steven Bartlett – of Dragon Den fame sums gratitude up brilliantly: ‘If a person could do only one simple thing to increase health and happiness, expressing gratitude on a regular basis might just be it’. I concur.

Gratitude really is the ultimate super power. After all practising gratitude makes you more optimistic, increases your happiness and improves your mental and physical health. What’s not to like!!

So to all those who have had my back unconditionally and helped us on every step of the way to building Bridge of Hope Careers to helping over 80,000 highly resilient candidates with 29 blue chip clients. THANK you, it means the world.