I am hardly a Thanksgiving expert—though I may know how to make a tasty turkey and savory stuffing, but as I mature, I have become more aligned with what I shall call an attitude of gratitude. And, I do believe that acts of appreciation and thanksgiving beget other good acts in our society. I guess it is a bit like the pay it forward mentality.
Medical professionals seem to agree that there are great social, psychological, and physical health benefits associated with giving thanks. So, it seems only logical that developing regular habits around being grateful would help one enjoy those benefits.
I endeavor to think of all I am grateful for often and to write down the good things that I am grateful for regularly. This was a simple step I started when I became concerned as a parent, with raising my children to be hopeful, contributing members of our community.
Along the way, I learned about studies, where people were asked to record a few things they experienced recently for which they were grateful. The idea was simple and brief - a single thought – a recent good moment – something you love in this world – a book, a friend – music. The results were positive. The research suggests that many discover a lighter, happier attitude toward life in the process.
I think what makes this click for me is that I have made a conscious decision to be happier and more grateful. A new frame of reference to use even in life’s difficult moments. Keeping it personal allows me to hone in on people to whom I am grateful, which in turn seems to give me more patience where I used to dismiss people. This helps me consider what my life would be like without certain experiences – even ones I find trying – there are gifts in all of it. And living it all with as much appreciation as is possible, empowers me to put things in perspective thereby, finding new ways to be grateful for the sources of goodness in my life.
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