Thanksgiving Special: Gratitude and Thankfulness
This year has been rather stressful to say the least. For this thanksgiving special I want to spread some positivity and gratitude, and I hope that those of you who read this post continue to do the same (there can never be too much). As you can read from the title, I am being cliché however, this is my first Thanksgiving post! So, buckle up and put on your gratitude hat, this is going to be a good one.
What is Gratitude?
“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.”
Henri Frederic Amiel
What is gratitude and gratefulness in the first place? The word “gratitude” comes from the Latin word “gratia”, meaning grace, graciousness, or gratefulness. Being grateful simply is the appreciation from giving or receiving something. This something can be either a physical object or it can be something that you cannot physically hold. Both gratitude and gratefulness are synonyms of each other and reflect a sense of upbeat positivity. They spur from giving and receiving as an act of selflessness.
Gratitude Improves Health
“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.”
Willie Nelson
Gratitude and gratefulness are good for your overall health physically, mentally, and emotionally. Practicing gratefulness can help to improve immunity health and sleep, makes you happier, improves positivity overall, and it is contagious. With gratitude you can become more compassionate and kinder. Being thankful towards others makes them feel confident, appreciated, more positive, happier, helps to improve their self-worth, and can help to improve romantic relationships. Since they are feeling more uplifted, they then continue to pass on the positivity intentionally or not.
Gratitude is not Just for Thanksgiving
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.”
Zig Ziglar
Gratitude can be extended well past Thanksgiving, or even be practiced any time that you want to. Practice gratitude by being mindful and grateful. The best time is the present! Keeping a journal is a great way to practice gratefulness daily. Simply by writing out three things you are grateful for every day is an easy way to do so. This act can help to improve your outlook on life and help make you more positive and happier. By focusing on the things that we have in our life, life feels less chaotic and stressful. It is never to late to start practicing gratitude.
References
The Science Behind Gratitude (and How It Can Change Your Life), written by Derrick Carpenter
5 Scientific Facts that Prove Gratitude is Good for You
The Science and Research on Gratitude and Happiness, written by Erika Stoerkel
Let’s Chat!
What are you grateful for? Reflect upon the things in your life that you have to be grateful for. If I missed anything or you want to share the positivity, let me know down below!
Check out the previous post Fitness is Not about Eating Whatever You Want