When life is going well, gratitude allows us to celebrate and magnify the goodness. But what about when life isn't going well? Should we still feel grateful even when circumstances seem grim? The answer is yes - not only will a grateful attitude help - it is essential. In fact, it is precisely under crisis conditions when we have the most to gain by a grateful perspective on life. 
Gratitude can help us cope with hard times. Consciously cultivating an attitude of gratitude builds up a sort of psychological immune system that can cushion us when we fall. There is scientific evidence that grateful people are more resilient to stress, whether minor everyday hassles or major upheavals. So, it is important for us to stop and take a moment, or two, throughout the day to reflect on the aspects of life we are grateful for, however big or small. 
For the fifth consecutive year, Kent State will participate in the Gratitude Graffiti Project, a practice of purposeful reflection and appreciation expressed through interactive art. For the first three years, you likely saw poster boards filled with colorful post-it notes expressing sentiments of gratitude, and window displays reflecting chalk expressions of thankfulness across all KSU campuses. Last year, Gratitude Graffiti went virtual, and that will continue in 2021. 
Starting today, employees are encouraged to add electronic sticky notes with messages of gratitude to our shared virtual Gratitude Boards. There will be a new board and prompt each week. to access the board for week 1. Bookmark the Gratitude Graffiti website and stay tuned to Employee Wellness email updates for links to each week's board. 
For questions related to the Gratitude Graffiti Project and other wellness offerings for faculty and staff, contact Employee Wellness at wellness@kent.edu, or 330-672-0392.