“What do you say mate?” your mum nudges you as the waitress hands you your dinosaur nuggets.
“Thank you.”
You have always been told to use good manners, and to say thank you, but what does thank you actually mean? Is it just two meaningless words uttered with monotonous regularity, or is it a tool that can alleviate mental health issues generating happiness and a sense of wellbeing? Gratitude is the sunlight that lights up those dark days.
The ability to be grateful is at the core of personal success.
Why we should we be grateful.
We all know that gratitude is the quality of being thankful. It is also widely known as a big part of tackling mental health issues that plague our youth today. Almost half of the population suffers or has suffered from mental health related issues.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 3144 Australians took their own life last year and, of these, 112 were children under the age of 17.
Shocked? We should be.
As a society, we must take immediate action to save these lives. Gratitude has the power to reduce these numbers drastically and make the youth’s feelings of happiness, skyrocket.
So how does gratitude really work?
Gratitude has been linked directly to improving mental health. By focusing on the positive aspects of life and appreciating what one has, gratitude can shift attention away from negative thoughts and promote a more positive mindset. It is as simple as writing down three things a day for which you are grateful.
The result? You will realise that your life is worth living.
Don’t believe me, well, it was proven in a study regarding gratitude. In 2010 two world leading scientific researchers and Harvard psychologists, Dr Emmons, and Dr McCullough, conducted a study whereby participants either wrote about things they were grateful for, or daily irritations. After ten weeks the findings were groundbreaking. They discovered that those who wrote about gratefulness, felt more optimistic and felt better about their lives, whilst the others felt miserable and negative.
Yet another example of the myriad of benefits of gratitude is the increased resilience which with you will be armed. Practising gratitude can encourage you to look for the best in any situation and the lessons that could be learned. This newfound resilience will empower you with not only a positive mindset but with a belief that you can and will overcome challenges. You will look for the light in the darkest situation, the silver lining.
A study done by Gloria and Steinhardt in 2016 found a link between gratitude and resilience noting that “Gratitude fosters adaptive coping mechanisms”. This means that when faced with challenges such as having 11 assignments due next Tuesday, you can practise gratitude to develop healthy responses to stress.
So, what now?
Too many teenagers are depressed, overwhelmed with schoolwork and burdened by unhealthy relationships. But this doesn’t have to be you.
Start being grateful, and you will find a complete shift in your wellbeing. All that has to be done is take five minutes before bed to write down some things by which you are grateful, could be lunchtime touch, dinner, or even your best mate. So, together, as a TGS community armed with gratitude let's create an environment where saying " thank you" is not just a polite gesture but a tool for personal success and happiness.
- By Daniel Wilson, Year 9 TGS student
References
J., & Wong, J. (2017, June 6). How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain. Greater Good; The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley. https://greatergood.berkeley.e...
Carpenter, D. (2018). The Science Behind Gratitude (and How It Can Change Your Life). Happify.com. https://www.happify.com/hd/the...
Harvard Health Publishing. (2021, August 14). Giving thanks can make you happier. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu...
Mindful Staff. (2019, November 25). How to Practice Gratitude. Mindful. https://www.mindful.org/an-int...
Latest Blog
When School days become years of Mateship, Growth and Unforgettable Memories
Yesterday’s Awards Assembly for our senior cohort saw lashings of pride, reflection and a time for parents and caregivers to savour the very nearness of graduation after years of growth and grit. As the boys prepare for their final external exams and the much-anticipated Formal, this gathering marked the beginning of their final chapter at Toowoomba Grammar School. The assembly featured a moving reel that traced their growth from wide-eyed Junior School boys to confident young men. There were…
Japan: A Journey of Discovery, Culture and Connection
For 30 students and four staff members from Toowoomba Grammar School, the recent Japan Cultural and Technology Tour was a vibrant tapestry of tradition, innovation and transformation. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, this immersive experience offered students a unique lens through which to view the world. The Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
TGS Puts Boys’ Online Safety First with Global EdTech Honour
This year, Toowoomba Grammar School was honoured at the Global EdTech Awards, becoming the only Australian school to receive recognition in this category of the prestigious international program. While the category - Best Network Manager - may not often make headlines, it celebrates the quiet achievers who empower learning, protect students and enable innovation. Arthur C. Clarke once said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” If that’s true, then network…
Ompelliargo - Episode 2 - School House: A Gothic Revival at the Heart of TGS
School House in 1907 Constructed in 1875, School House is more than just a structure - it’s a symbol of the community’s commitment to education and a cornerstone of the School’s heritage. Designed by Toowoomba architect Willoughby Powell and built by local craftsman John William Garget, the building reflects the Gothic Revival style, a design language that blends classical proportions with pointed arches, intricate fretwork and a sense of grandeur. Heritage architect Ms Stephanie Keays, a…
The Power of Character and Connection Every Day
As we mark R U OK? Day, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of looking out for one another and staying connected. Whilst today is a National Day of Action, the message is clear: asking “R U OK?” should not be reserved for just one day of the year. By having regular, meaningful conversations with each other, we create trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on in our lives. This simple but powerful practice ensures that when someone is struggling, they know they have a…
Managing Conflict with Pre-Teens and Teenagers
Understanding the developmental challenges of our boys, particularly in managing emotional resilience and independence, helps parents navigate these moments more effectively. Conflict is a natural and inevitable part of adolescence, and for parents of preteens and teenagers at Toowoomba Grammar School, managing these moments effectively is key to nurturing their emotional growth and maintaining a healthy relationship.
Elevating Early Years Mathematics: Insights from a Global Teaching Fellowship
As a primary school teacher with ten years of classroom experience, I’ve had the opportunity to teach across year levels from Prep to Year 3. Throughout my teaching journey, I’ve developed a strong passion for ensuring that every student feels a sense of success in the classroom and equally, that every teacher feels confident and equipped to deliver high-quality lessons. Over time, I’ve become increasingly interested in how we can bring greater consistency and clarity to the way we teach…
Innovation at TGS: Preparing Boys for a Future of Possibilities
This commitment is reflected in how, for generations, our Old Boys have maintained strong connections with the School and their region, demonstrating a dedication to making a meaningful difference in the world. Having students who are able to think critically and evolve with technology will prepare them better for the workforce. Honouring the Past, Preparing for the Future The Grammar 150 celebrations this year offer a special opportunity to reflect on the significant contributions of our…
Remembering CMDR Rowley Alan Waddell-Wood
Rowley was born in Moree, NSW on 30 July 1932 and moved to a property on the Darling Downs at an early age. He attended Esk State School followed by two years at Toowoomba Grammar School (1946-47). After completing his schooling, he worked on the family property and then as a Trainee Executive at Coles in Brisbane. Always fascinated by flying and the Fleet Air Arm, Rowley signed up for a short service engagement in March 1954, aged 22. After completing basic training at HMAS Cerberus, he was…
