I have been so aware these last couple years, that there is a very thin space in everyone’s life, between being healthy and capable, to being incapable and sick. And you don’t have to be in your 60’s to be thinking it may be around the corner. Did you hear some weeks ago about the 18 year old young woman, Maddison, from Winnipeg that woke up one day tired and achy only to be diagnosed with an advanced form of sarcoma that had already spread into her blood and bone marrow.and had only weeks to live?(CBC News)
I can’t wake up every day with anxiety or concern that I could contact a terminal disease or have a debilitating accident. I just refuse to.
Neither should I wake up every morning, presuming I am going to live disease and accident-free. I just shouldn’t.
But I can wake up every day GRATEFUL; Grateful for the good health I do have; grateful for my protection from pain and accidental breaks and sprains. I just will!
Grateful people sleep better. Writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep, according to a 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. 1
Gratitude increases mental strength. For years, research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress, but it may also play a major role in overcoming trauma. A 2006 study published in Behavior Research and Therapy found that Vietnam War Veterans with higher levels of gratitude experienced lower rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A 2003 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that gratitude was a major contributor to resilience following the terrorist attacks on September 11. Recognizing all you have to be thankful for – even during the worst times of your life – fosters resilience. 2.
Gratitude opens the door to more relationships. Not only does saying “thank you” constitute good manners, but showing appreciation can help you win new friends, according to a 2014 study published in Emotion. 3.
Gratitude makes us healthier. 4.
As you can see, there are many benefits to being grateful. Five years ago I started a Gratitude Book: Before I get out of bed in the the morning, I write down 10 things I am grateful/thankful for. Good health and a pain-free day is always something I am committed to be grateful for EVERY DAY. And if I am sick or in pain, I thank God that I don’t have something worse and am NOT in debilitating pain. I choose a “gratitude attitude”.
I am being Intentional about being Grateful.
Gratitude is a Choice.
-Karen Moilliet
Sources:
1,2,3, – Amy Morin
4.-HappierHuman.com
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