I don’t like turkey. Yes, that’s right, I don’t like turkey, but I LOVE the idea of having time with family and friends and express gratitude openly. Thanksgiving weekend is a beautiful way to celebrate, connect and give THANKS.
Did you know that practicing gratitude gratitude can heal, energizes and transform your life in several ways? The scientific work of Dr. Robert Emmons and Dr. Michael McCollough from UC Davis has focused on the long term study of the benefits of Gratitude on the human mind and body. The results of their ground breaking research are truly amazing.
Practicing gratitude has actual consequences for human health and well-being. Here are some of the reported and scientifically measured benefits:
- Feeling better about life as a whole
- Experiencing greater levels of joy and happiness
- Feeling optimistic about the future
- Getting sick less often
- Exercising more regularly
- Having more energy, enthusiasm, determination, and focus
- Making greater progress toward achieving important personal goals
- Sleeping better
- Feeling stronger during trying times
- Enjoying closer family ties
- More likely to help others
- Experiencing fewer symptoms of stress
After reading this list…how motivated do you feel about starting a regular gratitude practice?
Are you feeling unsure of how to start? Here are a few easy suggestions:
- Write a gratitude letter or note to someone who’s impacted your life (even if the person has passed on). You don’t need to send the letter to feel the benefits.
- Create a gratitude journal to end your day with 3-5 (or more) things you are grateful for.
- Have a gratitude walk. Take 15 to 20 minutes to walk and consider all the material comforts, loving and supporting people in your life, and the magnificent intelligence in your body.
- Say a heartfelt thank you to someone you appreciate.
To end this post, I’d like to express a heart-felt THANK YOU. Thank you for allowing me to be of assistance in your journey. Thank you for allowing me to learn from you. Thank you for allowing me share with you.
Blessings for you and your loved ones!
Karinna