In honor of Thanksgiving here in the US, I want to write about gratitude. (Remember, there’s more to Thanksgiving, then football, turkey, and pumpkin pie.) Thanksgiving is a holiday to give thanks for what we have in our lives. It is a time to stop and appreciate the people around you and all the good things in your life. Whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving this week or not, developing an attitude of gratitude year-round is a good idea. Gratitude has been shown to improve mood and health. In fact, gratitude seems to help people manage stress and it has been linked to better immune function.
This week is a good time to begin cultivating an attitude of gratitude. Spend some time this week thinking about your life and appreciating all the good things. Make a gratitude list by writing down all the wonderful things in your life – your family, friends, home, health, etc. This list can even help you deal with any stress you might feel, as you get ready for the holiday. When you notice that you are feeling stressed, try shifting your focus to something on your gratitude list. Really immerse yourself in the feeling of gratitude. Let it flow through your whole body. Pay attention to any changes in your body and your mood.
My gratitude list this Thanksgiving includes my family and friends. Due to health issues, I have needed a lot of support over the last few years and my family and friends have always been there for me. I am also grateful for all of you who are reading this. Thank you for reading and supporting this blog! This week I am also quite grateful for the beach, dolphins, and the Gulf of Mexico.
How about you? What's your gratitude list?
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