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Writer's pictureTami West, PhD

Communication, Gratitude & Relationships Positive Psychology Part 9

Welcome back to Consider Yourself Hugged! Click below to watch, or Click here to listen to Episode 183


*Disclaimer:

The information in this show is not intended to be therapy or to address your individual situation. It is information based on experiences, opinions, and research. If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources at the end of the show notes, or others in your area.



So glad you're still with us! In today’s episode, Michelle and I delve into two essential pillars of positive psychology: gratitude and communication. We’ll talk about how they’re not only key to your happiness but essential for building and maintaining strong, fulfilling relationships.

 

Throughout this episode, we’ll share stories, practical tips, and give you a sneak peek into the exercises we’ve included in the accompanying activity sheet. This will help you apply what we discuss in real life. Get ready for an insightful conversation packed with actionable steps you can start implementing today!


Section 1: The Importance of Relationships

Let’s start with the foundation of today’s episode—relationships. You might have heard that strong relationships are critical to your happiness, but why is that? Studies, including the well-known Harvard Study on Adult Development, have shown that having positive, meaningful connections with others plays a massive role in overall life satisfaction and even physical health.

 

We’ll reflect on our own experiences with relationships—both the ones that flourished and those that didn’t—and how communication and gratitude were at the heart of those dynamics. Whether you’re trying to strengthen relationships at home, work, or in your social circle, we’ll talk about why investing in these bonds is crucial to your well-being.


Section 2: Gratitude—The Key to a Happier, Fuller Life

What is Gratitude?Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you”—it’s a conscious, positive emotion that can transform your mindset and relationships. Research shows that gratitude can improve mental health, boost your social life, and even reduce physical pain. It’s truly amazing how powerful this simple concept can be.

Michelle and I will discuss what gratitude means to us personally and how it has helped us both professionally and personally. We’ll share stories of when a simple act of gratitude changed the trajectory of a day, a relationship, or even our entire outlook.

 

Benefits of Practicing Gratitude

  • Improves relationships by fostering deeper emotional connections.

  • Increases happiness and overall life satisfaction.

  • Helps reduce negative emotions like envy, resentment, and frustration.

 

You’ll also hear about the science behind gratitude. Studies have found that practicing gratitude, such as keeping a gratitude journal, increases people’s willingness to engage with others, form new friendships, and strengthen existing ones.

 

How Can You Practice Gratitude?This is where things get practical! We’ll preview some exercises from the activity sheet designed to help you develop your gratitude muscle. Whether it’s starting a Gratitude Journal or writing a Gratitude Letter to someone who’s made a positive impact on your life, these exercises are sure to shift your focus toward the good.

 

And remember, the exercises are included in the activity sheet, so make sure to download it after the episode and give them a try!


Section 3: The Art of Communication—Building Bridges, Not Walls

Why Communication MattersWe all know how crucial communication is, but how often do we focus on improving our skills? Communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about connecting. Whether you’re dealing with family members, coworkers, or even strangers, effective communication can make or break a relationship.

Michelle and I get into the nitty-gritty of what makes communication effective. We’ll share tips for handling tough conversations, giving constructive feedback, and using communication to foster stronger bonds. We’ll also highlight some common mistakes, like how criticism can backfire, and offer alternative approaches that build others up rather than tearing them down.

 

Tips for Better CommunicationHere are some key strategies we’ll explore in the episode:

  • Give Sincere Compliments: Compliments shouldn’t feel forced. We’ll talk about how to give genuine compliments that uplift others and foster goodwill in your relationships.

  • Active Listening: Listening is a lost art in today’s fast-paced world, but it’s essential for meaningful connections. We’ll share practical tips on how to really listen, not just hear.

  • Constructive Criticism: When you need to give feedback, how do you make sure it’s constructive and not damaging? We’ll guide you through the best ways to offer criticism while maintaining harmony.

 

Again, these strategies are reflected in the activity sheet, so be sure to check out the exercises designed to help you practice each of these communication skills.


Section 4: Putting It All Together—Gratitude & Communication in Harmony

What happens when you combine the powers of gratitude and communication? You create an unstoppable force for positive, healthy relationships. Michelle and I discuss how these two concepts work together and share real-life examples of how we’ve seen them improve relationships both in personal and professional settings.

 

We’ll give you examples of how you can express gratitude in your communication and why this approach not only strengthens your relationships but helps you maintain a more optimistic and positive mindset in life.

Section 5: Actionable Steps—Your Activity Sheet

As always, Michelle and I want you to take what you’ve learned and apply it in real life. That’s why we’ve put together an activity sheet that’s full of exercises to help you practice what we discussed. Here it is:



You’ll find activities focused on:

 

  • Gratitude Exercises: Start a gratitude journal, write a letter of gratitude, or reflect on the people in your life who bring you joy.

  • Communication Skills: Practice giving genuine compliments, work on active listening, and engage in exercises to handle constructive criticism with grace.

 

Remember, these exercises aren’t meant to be overwhelming. You can take them at your own pace and even invite others to join you—whether it’s your family, friends, or coworkers. The goal is to practice gratitude and communication regularly, so they become natural parts of your interactions.


Final Thoughts

Michelle and I are so excited to see how these practices will transform your relationships and your overall happiness. We’ve both seen incredible shifts in our lives, and we know that once you start focusing on gratitude and communication, you will too!

 

Don’t forget to download the activity sheet to get started on these practical exercises. We’d love to hear how you’re doing, so feel free to reach out and share your progress. Let’s continue this journey together and build stronger, happier, and more fulfilling relationships!

 

Until next time, stay grateful, communicate with love, and keep building those connections!

 

Promised Links

Oprah Winfrey Interview

Michelle's Snoopy Dog :)


Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll continue our exploration of positive psychology and dive deeper into practical strategies for enhancing your well-being. Thanks for staying with us through this!

 

As I've always asked in the past, please pass the show link along to your friends and subscribe, download, and review wherever you are listening. If you’re a woman and you haven’t joined our private FB group A Place for Women, please do that now! It’ll be your source of encouragement. I'd love for you to follow my Tami West Seminars Facebook page as well. If you'd like to know more about my Mental Health First Aid Courses, contact me at 615-497-7714 or tamiwest@tamiwest.com.


And until next time, Consider Yourself Hugged 😘🤗


Mental Health Resources:







Michelle Kixmiller, MSN, MAE, RN, APN, PMHNP-BC 

Michelle Kixmiller is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Educator. She works with children and adults with mental health needs including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Michelle served as a public school teacher and science department chair for over a decade when a family tragedy pulled her in a different direction. The death of her younger brother after a multiple year battle with depression and alcoholism led her to pursue a career in the mental health field. She went back to school to become a registered nurse graduating and gaining experience as a critical care nurse at a level 1 regional burn center prior to completing a graduate degree to become a mental health nurse practitioner. Her vision is holistic care through teamwork to create a more peaceful school environment for students and staff alike. No one should have to struggle alone. Michelle currently works full time for a non-profit community mental health center at an outpatient clinic and works PRN for an inpatient crisis stabilization unit. When not at work she loves spending time with family, traveling, watching movies (not scary ones), running (slowly), and Crossfit. Contact Michelle at Silver Lining Psychiatric Solutions, 615-378-7713 or mkixmill@gmail.com. 


Tami West, PhD

Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges.

Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity.

Dr. West has spoken in 48 states across the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In any given year, Tami speaks to groups with audiences consisting of anywhere from 100 to 3,000 people.


Dr. West is the author of several successful publications including three books: The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters and Thrive. When she's not speaking or writing, you might find her with her traveling with her husband and family, reading historical fiction, or watching Big Bang Theory.


Tami connects with audiences through real experience, cutting edge research, and transparent stories – all sprinkled with humor! She will make you laugh, cry, and shine a refreshingly new light on life's challenges.


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Contact Tami at tamiwest@tamiwest.com or follow her at Tami West Seminars. 




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