“When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.” – Tecumseh
Being thankful is something that many of us overlook. We are so used to getting things our way most of the time that we forget just the fact that we have a nice warm bed, with food in our bellies is enough to be thankful for. Many people around the world don’t even have these basic things.
Practicing thankfulness everyday positively affects your physical and mental health. Science has proven that being a more thankful person improves both physical and mental health. You gain a higher boost in your immune system, get depressed less, communicate better with your loved ones, and handle situations with ease. Grateful people tend to practice better health habits and avoid playing with fire.
Being Thankful to Yourself and Others
Being thankful to yourself, to others, and even to events is most rewarding. However, the hard part about being thankful is the fact that we often take things for granted and most of the time don’t see them as blessings. Take a minute or two to stop and be thankful for everything that has happened in your life; give thanks for the wonderful weather you’re having, for the people who surround you with love, and even for the difficult circumstances, as they’ve shaped you to who you are today. This is one benefit of practicing thankfulness – it helps you to be in the present and appreciate what you have, as well as give you a sense of peace. Show those who were there for you that you are grateful.
Recognizing the good in life has a tendency to strengthen positive feelings, such as happiness and contentment, because it helps us pause and breathe. We consider the negative emotions less, and that sweetens the joy you get from life.
Dealing with Pain & Trauma
When you are dealing with pain from trauma, it helps to stop briefly and think of the things you are thankful for – that despite all the pain you had to deal with, there is always something to look forward to. Being thankful to yourself is a fulfilling experience, and this helps deal with survival and post-traumatic stress.
Focus on building the habit of being thankful. Being thankful is acknowledging the value of your experiences – it requires genuine appreciation. Thank yourself. Thank your partner, your family, your friends. Live in the moment and express your gratitude. Appreciate the silver linings, change your perspective, and look forward to everyday with positivity. Enjoy the practice without expecting anything in return. Feeling grateful and happy is something to celebrate every day, not just once a year. You’ll never know how this small and simple step can make big changes to your life.
