Appreciate the Good and the Good Appreciates
It is the perfect time of year to pause and reflect on how giving thanks—gratitude—can strengthen our well-being and sense of connection. Research shows that pausing to recognize the good around us, through reflection, recognition, or small acts of kindness, can ease stress, lift our mood, and nurture a deeper sense of fulfillment and happiness (Ben-Shahar, 2007; Harvard Health Publishing, 2021).
Thank a colleague, acknowledge a student’s effort, or take a quiet moment to appreciate your own successes. Gratitude and happiness are habits we can build; each act of appreciation helps us focus on what’s working, rather than what’s missing (Ben-Shahar, 2007). When we combine gratitude with moments of flow, the state of being fully engaged in meaningful activity (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990), we renew our sense of purpose and energy in both work and life. Psst…Pass it on!
Gratitude Playbook
Two simple, yet impactful, ways to reflect and reconnect:
- Keep a Gratitude Journal with “Three Good Things” Each Day
At the end of each day, write down three things that went well and why. Even small moments, such as a great conversation, an interactive class session, or time outdoors, can help reframe your perspective and increase well-being. - Write a Gratitude Letter
Write a short note to someone: a mentor, teacher, colleague, student, or friend, who made a difference. Describe what they did and why it mattered. If possible, share it with them in person or snail mail it. Your recipient will be more grateful than you know.
And, don’t forget to check out Adelphi’s Mindfulness Center!
References
Ben-Shahar, T. (2007). Happier: Learn the secrets to daily joy and lasting fulfillment. McGraw-Hill.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.
Harvard Health Publishing. (2021, August 14). Giving thanks can make you happier. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
Tedx Talks. (2014, September 12). TEDxNorrköping – Carol S. Dweck – The power of yet [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/J-swZaKN2Ic?si=JiQ2COcRGw0Oth9J
Teaching with Gratitude
We asked faculty, “What—about teaching at Adelphi—are you grateful for?” Here are some replies…
“At Adelphi, I am grateful for the opportunity to work closely with our students who are making a difference in the world. Teaching in-service teachers, instructional designers, and learning scientists is wonderful as they bring a wealth of practical experience and challenges to bear, deepening the impact of our intellectual work together.”
- Suraj Uttamchandani | Assistant Professor & Director, Learning Sciences | Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences
“I will not be teaching classes next semester, and this has made me appreciate that being an adjunct at Adelphi gives me profound meaning and so much joy. Watching students, especially those struggling with the course content or balancing jobs and studies, succeed is so fulfilling!”
- Sigrun Kahl | Adjunct Professor, Political Science | College of Arts and Sciences
“Working here at Adelphi reminds me that I’m never alone in my role as Chair and Professor of CSD. The sense of solidarity and the caring support of the FCPE make even the toughest challenges feel manageable.”
- Hariklia Proios | Professor & Chair, Communication Sciences and Disorders | Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences
Learning with Gratitude
We asked students, “What kind of teaching at Adelphi are you grateful for?” They said…
“…there are a lot of opportunities that come your way that involve thinking practically and applying that knowledge to help patients.”
- Ritika | Graduate Student | Exercise Science
“I am grateful for the opportunity of assignment autonomy—the freedom to choose both the format and content of major projects, such as producing a video essay instead of writing a traditional paper. In having this choice, I find that my creativity and self-expression soar, which in turn significantly increases my confidence as a student. I am extremely grateful for every Adelphi professor who has offered me a choice, whether big or small, in the kind of assignment I ultimately produce.”
- Samantha | Graduate Student | Educational Technology
With gratitude from the FCPE to our faculty and the entire Adelphi community—wishing you a safe, joyful, and restorative Thanksgiving!