From reduced anxiety and depression to increased happiness and kindness, the benefits of gratitude immensely impact our lives. Unfortunately, the busy-ness of school, work, family, and all our other commitments turn them into obligations. We feel weighed down and even burdened by our obligations. We lose sight of the many opportunities and gifts we experience each day. Practicing gratitude can restore our appreciation for life and all the good things we take for granted. The Thanksgiving season in a an excellent time to begin actively and intentionally giving thanks. Try one fo the activities below and read more about gratitude at http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/22/science/a-serving-of-gratitude-brings-healthy-dividends.html.
Write. Start a gratitude journal. Make a list of everything and everyone you are thankful for. Nothing is too big or too small for your list. Then, each day, choose two items from your list and take some time to write about what makes you feel thankful for them.
Visit. Set aside time for the people you are thankful for. Tell them you are thankful for them. Share with them the reasons you appreciate them. Expressing your gratitude for them will not only positively impact your feelings and attitudes as well as theirs, but it will also improve your relationship with them. Do you live a great distance from someon you are thankful for? Send them a letter, the good, old-fashioned, hand-written kind.
Remember. Start the practice of daily gratiitude. Whether alone in your car on the way to class or at dinner time with your family, complete the following staement aloud: "Today I am thankful for..." Involve your faimily. This is a great way to get positive conversations started and to learn about each other's day.
