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This project was generated out of a desire to understand and explore a novel twist on a well-traversed route to happiness. I set out looking for a new perspective on fulfillment and found sustainable, everyday joy through gratitude. In doing so, I created a space where a group of people could practice and share gratitude as a community. Gratitude is familiar to most as a feeling, but putting intention behind gratitude turns it into an action, and even a virtue. In fact, Roman philosopher Cicero says, "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others." I created a Facebook community called Marvel at The Ordinary (MATO) applying principles rooted in the Theory of Change to express this greatest virtue. I found both success and earnest support from others in this novel approach to current gratitude practices. Defined by Dr. Robert Emmons, an expert in the science of gratitude, practicing gratitude is a two-step process: "(1.) affirming goodness in one's life, and (2.) recognizing that the sources of this goodness lie at least partially outside of the self." There is substantial research touting the worth of gratitude journaling, in fact, few things have been more repeatedly and empirically vetted than the connection between gratitude and overall happiness and well-being. Yet there is one facet ubiquitously overlooked in current gratitude research: what happens when gratitude journaling is shared with others? With anecdotal evidence, short-form interview analysis, thematic analysis of journaling lexicon, and a case study on the growth and engagement of Marvel at The Ordinary as a social movement, there is reason to believe that a social media-based community centered around gratitude may support and even enhance the practice of gratitude, which is typically practiced in isolation. It was also found that communities of this sort are highly sought after, based on the engagement within and growth of the Facebook group from 50 to 600+ members in a period of 2 months. MATO set out with the aspirations of creating a community which encourages others to gratitude journal, raising awareness about gratitude journaling, and building a community which fosters empathy, optimism, and awareness in an everyday sense. In each of these goals, overwhelming success was found.
ContributorsMccawley, Kevin William (Author) / Mokwa, Michael (Thesis director) / Huerta, Mark (Committee member) / Micevic, Vid (Committee member) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / School of Molecular Sciences (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
Paddle With A Purpose: A Synthesis on My Perspective on Cultivating an Intentional Life of Happiness
Description
Happiness is an enormously broad topic that has recently gained momentum in the workplace, literature, media and society. There are many interconnected topics and themes contributing to the overall state of being happy. In my book, I dive into the most important topics that contribute to daily and global happiness. Each of the following topics are explored within the evidence-based literature and juxtaposed with my own life experience and perspective. First, I will explore society’s impact on happiness. Society shapes our perspective more than we realize, so it is important to debunk what rings true to us individually and what does not. Next, I’ll share with you my favorite thing in life—gratitude. Gratitude is the easiest way to transition a negative affect into a positive state of being. In chapter three I will discuss how language and perspective shape our experiences. Word choice and self-talk are extremely impactful in your relationship with yourself and your relationship with others. Chapter four is about complaining and how it serves us and inhibits us. There are many functions to complaining, like self-awareness and enhanced interpersonal relationships as well as consequences like being a draining friend to be around. Then I’ll share about the phenomenon of emotional contagion and compassion and finish it up with the final chapter about being present and practicing happiness in our daily lives. It is most important to live a life full of intentional daily actions. The tone of my book is conversational and meant to serve as an inspirational tool to aide in achieving a happier life.
ContributorsSugarman, Cedar Gaia (Author) / Hoffner, Kristin (Thesis director) / Dawes, Mary (Committee member) / Curry Hart, Rachel (Committee member) / School of Nutrition and Health Promotion (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-05
ContributorsImran, Zainab (Author) / Sturgess, Jessica (Thesis director) / Reeves-Blurton, Zachary (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor)
Created2023-05
ContributorsImran, Zainab (Author) / Sturgess, Jessica (Thesis director) / Reeves-Blurton, Zachary (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor)
Created2023-05
ContributorsImran, Zainab (Author) / Sturgess, Jessica (Thesis director) / Reeves-Blurton, Zachary (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor)
Created2023-05
Description
This is a research backed guide to developing a habit of gratitude. This book has topics covering the benefits gratitude, what gratitude is/isn't, and habit development followed by 40 activities to practice being grateful.
ContributorsImran, Zainab (Author) / Sturgess, Jessica (Thesis director) / Reeves-Blurton, Zachary (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor)
Created2023-05
Description
Gratitude is defined as a state of being in which a person is able to acknowledge and appreciate something they have benefitted from. From a social perspective, gratitude can involve thanking another person for a kind act. Research has shown that gratitude can encourage self-improvement, feelings of connection, and humility. Most of the research available surrounds the positive emotions that accompany gratitude. There is a gap in the literature on how gratitude evokes and is accompanied by negative emotions. Following the guidance of Katie Nelson-Coffey and John Coffey, this study will evaluate whether gratitude increases feelings of indebtedness and decreases impulsivity.
ContributorsVuong, Tina (Author) / Nelson-Coffey, Katherine (Thesis director) / Coffey, John (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Psychology BA - West (Contributor)
Created2024-05