It’s that time of year again. It seems like it gets closer and closer every year, doesn’t it? Everyone is talking about giving thanks, spending time with family, and, of course, the big feast! It’s a wonderful time of year but we often get caught up planning menus, travel, and the holiday festivities that dominate the remainder of the year. In doing so, we forget to stop and give thanks. I’m not talking about rattling off a couple of things you are grateful for at the dinner table, I mean really stop and reflect on all of the blessings in your life. Feel that gratitude deeply.
Gratitude and HappinessWhy should we limit practicing gratitude to Thanksgiving or for the month of November? Why not give thanks each and every day? Gratitude has long been associated with overall happiness and this correlation has been supported by positive psychology. Not only is gratitude linked to happiness, it also boasts better relationships, better physical health, and better coping skills. For gratitude to have this effect, it must become a new habit.
I challenge you to make gratefulness a daily ritual. You can make it part of your evening routine simply by naming what you are thankful for in that moment, or you can start a gratitude journal. I’ve mentioned a gratitude journal in a previous post, and it really helps me to stop and remember what I am thankful for.
As a physician, you know this time of year is busy, not only personally but also professionally. Consider changing a complaint into something gratifying. Let’s be grateful for the difficult patient for providing a lesson in patience; be thankful for the woman with a complicated medical history for keeping our diagnostic skills in shape. Enjoy the laughter from a shared joke with a colleague or friend. There is so much to be thankful for: a warm cup of tea, beautiful flowers, a kind word, our health.
Here’s a second challenge, and this one can be even more difficult for some individuals. When someone expresses appreciation for you or acknowledges a part of your beautiful being, do not deflect. Soak it in and let it permeate your being. Notice the impact and simply say thank you.
Giving thanks beyond November will enhance and extend the joy of the holidays.
“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” ― Maya Angelou
I read your blogs every time I see them posted and so enjoy them. You are so insightful and I find it sad that so many people only feel thankful at one time of the year. We should be thankful every day that we are fortunate enough to even wake up; lots of folks don’t. Thank you doctor for your thoughts. Keep up the good work.
Carol, thank you for both reading my posts and for such an encouraging comment! My best to you during the holiday season and always!
This post has really made a distinction in my own life. Thank you for the help.
I’m so glad you found the post useful!
Very good blog you have here but I was wanting to know if
you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics discussed here?
I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get feed-back from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Many thanks!
Here is my homepage; hallux rigidus
I’m glad you enjoy the blog. I’m sorry, I don’t know of any online communities but I would search social media for one that may fit well with what you are looking for. Thank you for your comment!
Such a refreshing change to find some decent content for once, I am getting tired of the continual drivel I come across of late, you deserve thanks for offering readable and informative material.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post! You may want to sign up for my newsletter as well!