Thanksgiving is underrated. It’s one of those rare holidays that is generally pretty low key, hasn’t been commercialized, and a day to give thanks and be grateful.
Of course, for some it’s a day to watch football, eat too much, and spend time with friends and family (which you might be grateful for or not!).
What I love about this holiday is that it is an important reminder to practice gratitude every day.
All kinds of studies have found that those who have an ongoing tendency to be grateful experience better physical and psychological health and well being. They tend to be more optimistic, sociable, and engaged in life. They are less susceptible to depression, anxiety, anger, and others negative emotions that can lead to health damaging behaviors and functioning.
Being grateful is just…good for you.
I start my day thanking God for giving me another day and try my best to remind myself that whatever I get day-to-day is gift and blessing. I have so much to be grateful for. We all do.
It doesn’t mean that there aren’t problems in our lives or some situations that will never be fixed–but there is definitely something, or someone, to be grateful for every single day.
So, as we come to Thanksgiving 2011, what are you grateful for? I’m grateful for you!
Suzanne, enjoyed reading your post, so very true! I am always grateful that I came upon knowing wonderful books written by awesome authors like you and others!
Suzanne, I am thankful for so many things. As I sit here tonight I am thankful for my Lord who loves me unconditionally and continues to lead and direct me despite my sometimes stubborn nature and slow learning skills 🙂