It's All About Gratitude

Safe Harbor Coronado Holds Annual Gratitude Event

Gratitude. A word derived from the Latin word ‘gratus’, meaning pleasing or thankful. Synonymous with appreciation, thankfulness, and gratefulness, gratitude is often defined as a feeling of thankfulness or appreciation for the good things in life. Though there is no season of gratitude, and it is healthy to practice gratitude throughout the year, the holidays are the perfect time to reflect on the principle and put it to practice.

Gratitude is more than a feeling. It can be a personality trait, a mood, an emotion, a practice and a verb through action. Studies show that regularly practicing gratitude can boost mental health and have lasting positive impacts on the body and the mind. It is associated with building stronger relationships, improved resilience, deeper and more restful sleep, and strengthening mental positivity and connections. The practice is even linked to physical health as studies show correlation between the practice of gratitude and boosting the immune system, lowering blood pressure and reducing aches and pains. With the health benefits clear, gratitude should become a regular part of our routines.

For some, gratitude comes naturally and is an ingrained part of their personality. But for others, it takes time and intention to cultivate. It is easy to feel thankful and appreciative when someone does something kind for us, like helping with a project or giving a thoughtful gift, but that feeling can be fleeting. Practicing mindful gratitude is one step to help integrate the feeling and the health benefits into your life. This can be done by simply taking a few minutes out of the day to recite all the good things we are grateful for in our lives. Or go deeper and take time to write specifically what you are grateful for and why in a gratitude journal. This helps us realize all the big and small things we have in our life that are wonderful. It keeps us from dwelling on the negative and keeps a shining spotlight on the positive.

Each year, Safe Harbor Coronado takes a special moment to pause and express their heartfelt gratitude for the community in which they are privileged to work. This annual tradition serves as an opportunity to reflect on the support and connections that make their mission possible, while also celebrating the partnerships and relationships that contribute to their success. This year’s gratitude event took place on November 21st at the beautiful Spreckels Center, bringing together community members, volunteers, and supporters in a shared atmosphere of appreciation and goodwill. The photos captured during this event aim to visually convey the significance of gratitude in building stronger, more resilient communities. These images are a small but meaningful way to express how much the community’s kindness and involvement truly matter to Safe Harbor Coronado. Thank you, Coronado, for your continued support, your generosity, and your commitment to making a difference.

Going a step further, gratitude is a verb. It is a powerful action shown through acts of kindness, compassion, and appreciation. Perhaps the most powerful part of a grateful heart is also having a giving spirit. It seems fitting that the holiday season falls in perfect conjunction: first we practice thanks in November, and then we show our gratitude through acts and gifts in December. This goes beyond thinking or writing about what you are grateful for and includes showing and doing something to show gratitude. This is the phone call or text to your family for always being there for you, the kind note to a teacher who made a difference, or the muffins baked for the neighbor who helped in a time of need. It is a thoughtful act that shows your gratitude. It does not have to be a grand gesture; it just needs to come from the heart.

At Safe Harbor Coronado, we are filled with gratitude and practice it daily for the people, organizations and community we are surrounded by. It is our goal to provide skills, supports, and resources to help build positive connections, genuine relationships, and cultivate a mentally resilient community. The kindness and generosity of our partners and community are innumerable and heartfelt and we want to extend our deepest gratitude. We recently hosted a gratitude event at the Spreckels Center with tacos and treats to show our gratitude. Our community is our mission; our community is our backbone. Thank you to everyone for your continued support, big or small, we appreciate you all!

Safe Harbor Coronado provides low-cost counseling, youth and parenting programs, and community education. For more information, visit www.safeharborcoronado.org, sign up for our e-newsletter, and follow us on social media @SafeHarborCoronado to stay connected and make sure you never miss a Safe Harbor Coronado event!