Let’s Be Thankful

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Defining “Thankful”

According to the dictionary, the definition of thankful is: 

1: conscious of benefit received

2: expressive of thanks

3: well pleased 

Synonyms for “thankfulness” are blissful, delighted, glad, gratified, happy, joyful, joyous, pleased, satisfied, and tickled. 

Sounds like how you’d like to feel? 

Inspiring a Thankful Spirit

A simple step to being more thankful is to pause during each day and ask yourself “what am I thankful for today”.  Give it some real thought. Pick a time of day that works for you (maybe before you get out of bed or when you are in the car) so that you are certain to reflect and identify what you are thankful for.  It’s worth doing this exercise.  

The Impact of Thankfulness

A thankful mindset positively affects our way of living...bottom line. How?

Creates Contentment

Society tells us that we need this and that. With all this messaging, it is easy to not appreciate what you have. Thankfulness keeps you grounded so that you are able to put aside what you want and embrace contentment. Studies have shown that gratitude boosts our immune system. When we stop focusing on what we don’t have, and begin focusing on everything we do have, we invite peace, patience, and general well-being into our lives.

Cultivates Humility

Being alert of the blessings (no matter how small or big) in life fills our hearts with humility. Humbleness results in a lack of false pride. Less pride means you’re more forgiving and less focused on yourself. Less inward attention paves the  way for more acts of kindness in our daily interactions.

Improves Relationships

We all want to feel appreciated.  An expression of gratitude toward another assuages our natural need as humans for validation and approval. Exchanging a “thank you” opens the door for building more intimate connections with others and spreading happiness. 

Generates Positivity

An attitude of gratitude creates a spirit of positivity. Our perspective on life looks brighter, which opens our hearts to be more compassionate to and generous with others. Become a person that spreads sunshine because our world could use it!

Possess an attitude of gratitude. Let’s be mindful to be thankful in everything we do and for every blessing we have. Choose thankfulness. It’s contagious. Thank you in advance for doing your part in making our lives brighter.