435-Building Gratitude through Experiences

Studies have shown that material possessions only make us happier for a short amount of time, but that experiences have a long-lasting effect. In my episode, I discuss the benefits of being grateful for experiences and how to be a role model for this methodology.

 

Transcript:

 

Welcome to Everyday Happiness where we create lasting happiness, in about 2 minutes a day,  through my signature method of Intentional Margins® (creating harmony between your to-dos and your priorities), happiness science, and musings about life. 

 

I'm your host Katie Jefcoat and what I’ve learned is that gratitude is more powerful with the things you do than the things you own (even if what you own is amazing).

 

Research has found that we tend to feel more grateful for experiences than for things we have. There doesn’t seem to be any clear reason for this, but one of the theories is that experiences are less likely to trigger social comparisons. While ‘things’ can seduce us into comparing what we have to what other people have, experiences are more likely to shift our focus to our own personal circumstances, and expand feelings of appreciation, happiness and contentment.

 

This got me thinking about all things summer vacation to holiday gift giving.  How am I parenting and what are we focusing on here.  I feel, like a lot of parents, that my kids have everything they need to be “happy”.  They, of course, always want something more.  I don’t blame them, it’s part of growing up in America, I think.    

 

But what I can do is model this ‘gratitude for the experience’ behavior.  It can show the children (and anyone around us) where to focus our energy.  So, that’s where I’m going to focus, on the experience because the research seems to indicate that showing gratitude for the less tangible things in our lives stops us from acting and being seen as ‘entitled’, or ‘spoiled’, neither of which generally adds to your character. 

 

Today, I am grateful for you, listening to this episode.  If you feel called to be a part of this happiness movement, share this episode with 5 friends, I would be honored and you will get a little kindness boost.  Know that wherever you are, I’m thanking you for helping spread the word. Tag me on social @everydayhappinesswithkatie.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

And remember, kindness is contagious.  

 

Get Everyday Happiness delivered to your inbox by subscribing at: https://www.katiejefcoat.com/happiness

 

And, let’s connect on social at @everydayhappinesswithkatie  and join the community on the hashtags #IntentionalMargins and #everydayhappinesswithkatie on Instagram

 

Links:  https://onamission.bio/everydayhappiness/