Gratitude and Renewal

Lagging behind Canada by more than a month, we in the US will be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow. For most, it's a big family, food, and football day.

It's also a time to appreciate the good in our lives. It turns out that we are making ourselves happier and more effective when we are grateful.

The Rutgers University newsletter tells us that "Expressing or feeling genuine appreciation can have a powerful influence on emotional outlook, psychological well-being, interpersonal bonds and even problem-solving, according to Rutgers psychologist Nancy Fagley, who conducts research on appreciativeness."

An important point in the article is that appreciation can be learned. We need to exercise those muscles of appreciation to counteract the tendency to take things and people for granted.

Whether with family and friends or by yourself, you can renew your feelings of gratitude in many ways.

Here are some ideas:

1. The gratitude list. Start a list of what you appreciate. Keep it at hand for reading and for adding more.
2. Think of a few things you are grateful for before going to sleep at night. This seems to increase a sense of satisfaction with life.
3. Start a round of appreciation at the Thanksgiving table. Everyone says something for which they are thankful this year.
4. Write a thank-you note. When was the last time you did that without being obligated to?
5. When someone thanks you, rather than quickly dismissing it with an "It was nothing," take it in, savor it, and mean it when you say, "You are welcome."

Writing this reminds me of how much I appreciate my family and friends, the place that I live, the work I get to do, and you, for taking the time to read the Messenger.

I wish you time for gratitude and renewal throughout the holiday season.