These last five years, there have been many challenges for many people, and because
of this, it would be easy to focus on the negatives that have gone on in our lives.
Without denying what people have been through, it is essential to be grateful and to
count our blessings every day, for we are alive and still surrounded by beauty and
positive relationships that bring belonging.
Counting our blessings and being thankful, is gratitude. Practicing gratitude has a
positive impact on many aspects of our life, ranging from mental health to our
relationships.
Researchers took a deeper dive into what differentiated those who felt positive
emotions and those who didn’t. Scientists found that participants who expressed
gratitude and thankfulness on that day were more likely to feel positive emotions with
increased “life satisfaction” on the following days.
In another study, researchers examined how counting your blessings impacts overall
well-being. Participants were divided into three groups: One group was asked to journal
about negative events or hassles, a second group about the things for which they were
grateful and a third group about neutral life events.
The sample that journaled their gratitude showed much higher levels of well-being
across the board in comparison with the other two study groups. The major takeaway,
according to researchers, was that a conscious focus on blessings may have major
emotional and interpersonal benefits.
Gratitude increases the feel-good neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin and
helps you deflect those negative thoughts. So why not celebrate minor
accomplishments, perform small acts of kindness, and appreciate the big and small
things in your life.
Living a life filled with gratitude brings many positive changes in people. It helps you
notice the little things that you haven’t had to consciously work towards ‘acquiring’.
Things that are FREE like the sun shining ,the smell of the rain, the waking up of the
day fresh and untouched, waking up alive, having a cozy evening with your family.
These are things that we take for granted – yet somebody somewhere wishes they could
have what you have. Everyone can find three things to be grateful for.
Take a moment and reflect on your life and the positive things you have. The people
you value, the possessions you enjoy, and the modern-day conveniences we often take
for granted. I am reminded of a song we used to see in Sunday school “count you’re
many blessings name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has
done…, count your blessings, count your blessings, count your many blessings name
them one by one” You will find that there are many.
Taking the time to be thankful and appreciative for things you have received, tangible or
intangible, makes you feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, reduces
depression, lowers blood pressure, increases energy and happiness, and even prolongs
your life! Who wouldn’t want that – it doesn’t cost you a thing!
