Thanksgiving is as uniquely American as the Fourth of July, and I love that we devote a holiday to being grateful. If we live in America, we do indeed have much to be thankful for. It seems to be especially important to reflect on all we have when we are going through difficult seasons of life. Life’s trials do not automatically build character — they can just as easily make us bitter and resentful. Even if we have to “fake it ’til we make it,” giving thanks for blessings both big and small allows us to suddenly have a different perspective, an elevated vantage point … an opportunity to change the lens through which we are viewing our lives and legitimate difficulties. This lens doesn’t change the circumstances, but it can change our experience of them.

Intentionally counting our blessings is an amazing mood enhancer, and studies in social science have found that gratitude has measurable benefits in nearly every area of life. Not only does it enhance both mental and physical well-being — research shows that grateful people have fewer health complaints including, among many, heart problems and depression — but gratitude is also defined as the “social glue” that is fundamental to creating and fostering strong relationships. Psychologist Robert Emmons at the University of California defines gratitude as having two components. The first is an awareness of the good around you, and the second is recognizing that the source of these good things rests outside of yourself — that we receive these gifts from God as well as other people. Gratitude strips away our self-sufficiency and opens our eyes to the fact that every good thing in our lives is a gift for which we can’t take credit.

Our nature as human beings is to focus more on obstacles to be overcome rather than the benefits we have received, but when we engage in “positive recall,” we are more joyful and optimistic. Dr. Emmons writes, “Practicing gratitude magnifies positive feelings more than it reduces negative feelings,” thus helping us to see the bigger picture and become more resilient in the face of adversity.

So, how can we practice gratitude and reap its benefits? One easy way is to keep a list, or a “gratitude journal,” so we can remember all the little things for which we are thankful each day. I recently tried this and made two separate lists — one of big picture things, i.e., family, health, friends, and the other of day-to-day details that are so easy to forget, i.e., a last-minute parking spot that kept me from being late, lunch with a friend, or a prior concern working out just fine. What surprised me was just how many little yet significant things I have to be grateful for each day, ones that I would normally brush by and forget as I focus on the next obstacle to overcome.

As we speed into the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season, I hope you will find time to pause, look back, and give thanks … whether it’s for a health crisis averted or even just for a miraculous parking space!

Sincerely,

Margaret Clay