It is so great to be back with you all. Please forgive my absence. It has been an eventful past couple of months. With all that has been happening, it really has reminded me how we need to appreciate what we have in the moment. It is very easy to get frustrated with what we lack and lose sight of all the good that is around us. A little gratitude goes a long way.
Harvard Medical School’s “Harvard Health Publishing” reviewed research on gratitude and personal health. Numerous studies such as the one conducted by Dr. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. McCullough of the University of Miami revealed significant correlations between expressing gratitude and positive life outlook. Of course, there a few notable studies which revealed no changes at all. The difference has been linked to the emotional maturity of individuals. Meaning, people who attain the higher levels of emotional maturity can benefit a great deal from expressing gratitude. There is some food for thought.
That is a two-fold challenge. One, I need to first attain emotional maturity (a whole other topic I will cover in the future). Second, I need to practice expressing gratitude for what I have in my life. I can not stress enough how much more resilient and at peace with life I’ve become by striving to meet these goals. Emotional maturity allows me to express my emotion, whether positive or negative, in constructive versus destructive ways. Expressing gratitude allows me to construct a brighter perspective on life and thus possess better overall mental health.
The new year has brought many changes to my life. Many things are still uncertain. I don’t have all the answers I want. I haven’t reached all of my goals. However, I have supportive loved ones with me each step of the way. I am in good health and I am blessed with the strength to keep pressing forward even when a little voice tells me to give up.
As we continue to journey into this new year, I encourage you all take a step back and recall everything good going on in your life. Then, make a plan of action for how to change what isn’t so good. You will stay balanced and be better suited to tackle any challenges ahead. Take in the good, it is all around you.
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, can turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. ~ William Arthur Ward
References
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
Take it in 