02 November 2013

Thankfulness

There are a lot of studies that report how important gratitude is. Happiness, relationships, health, and more are all said to be improved by being thankful.

It sounds kind of hokey, but I think there's a truth to it. I have a lot to be thankful for. I always have. Lately, however, I've been realizing it more. Enumerating it more. Acting on it more. Thanking people more.

I'm thankful for my family, both legal and fictive.
I'm thankful for my education and the opportunity to further it.
I'm thankful for old friends.
I'm thankful for new friends.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to catch up with people.
I'm thankful that I have the means to live a life I enjoy living.
I'm thankful that I don't have serious adversity to face.
I'm thankful for the gratitude of others.

I'm thankful for comfy sweaters.

 I'm thankful for autumn colors.

The list goes on. And with every item I list, I feel more grateful and I feel happier and I feel more at peace. I don't know if it's realizing what I have, or just thinking about good things, or something beyond. Regardless, it's a wonderful result.

So, in a month that includes a holiday based around thankfulness, I suggest you take time to thank someone for something they've done, post a message (on facebook, on your blog, etc.) about things for which you're thankful, or even just say to yourself something for which you're grateful. Do it for others, and do it for yourself.