It’s more important than you might think
New studies show the impact of gratitude. A thankful attitude not only blesses those around us, but it is also actually good for our own personal well-being. Daily gratitude practices improves health, alertness and determination, alleviates depression and stress and guides better decision-making. Gratitude triggers physiological changes in our body affecting our mental and physical health.
Make gratitude a daily habit with these three ideas:
Write it. Keep a journal to record where you saw God show up. For young children, help them keep a journal by drawing pictures of how they are grateful. Many times we learn best as adults when we teach it to others. Guiding our children to record gratitude will help us learn this important skill.
Speak it. Make it a habit. Before speaking a word of reproof, develop the personal discipline to first comment on what you are grateful for in that person. As Mary Poppins said, “A spoonful of sugar, helps the medicine go down!”
Live it. Express your gratitude by giving back. During this giving season, make financial contributions to charities that do good for others. Where are you most grateful? What has made the biggest impact in your life? Who has God placed in your path this season that could use financial help? Respond quickly! I once saw an elderly man at the airport baggage claim giving small gifts of cash to military men and women arriving home for the holidays and with each one, he would say, “Thank you. Enjoy a nice dinner with your family.” Many soldiers were just blown away at this generosity. It was a blessing to witness his gratitude in action.
Let’s put gratitude in action this season.
