An Attitude of Gratitude

What will you be doing on the fourth Thursday of November? I hope you’ll be enjoying a bountiful feast with family or friends, or perhaps volunteering to make Thanksgiving a welcome occasion for those less fortunate. You’ll also probably be giving thanks for the many good things and people in your life.

But just as working out one day a year won’t do much for your physical fitness, being thankful one day a year is not enough to attain emotional well-being.

Research shows that having an appreciative attitude can improve one’s health and happiness. It even can bolster the optimism, strength and energy of people buffeted by difficult and stressful circumstances such as unemployment, divorce or illness.

Appreciation is the Gravy on the Meal of Life

Psychologist David DeSteno recently conducted studies to measure the benefits of gratitude. He found that an attitude of gratitude helps both giver and recipient. People grateful for a favor are more likely to return the favor, leading DeSteno to conclude, “Gratitude leads people to act in virtuous or more selfless ways. It builds social support, which is tied to both physical and psychological well-being.”

In other words, appreciating the good things in your life can make your life even better. That’s something to be grateful for on Thanksgiving, and every day of the year.
So … pass the gravy and feast on gratitude!