Gratitude as Self-Care

Gratitude shouldn’t be a once-a-year event. Yet, too many of us forget to be grateful until the Thanksgiving holiday serves as our annual reminder. The expression of gratitude should be a daily practice of not taking things for granted. “Things” could be material possessions, the necessities of life, our health, experiences, or the people we share our lives with. We may also acknowledge simply being alive and having a life to lead. Life is fragile and can change instantly. One event can significantly alter the course of our lives. We should cherish every moment and take stock of our blessings.

The expression of gratitude can be verbal, written, or done during meditation. The goal is to acknowledge what God has done for us and the many ways He provides. I believe that when we express our gratitude it pleases God and encourages Him to continue to bless us. The same is true when those we love are grateful for things we do for them. The more they express their appreciation, the better we feel and the more likely we are to continue blessing them.

When we are gracious and express it freely, we feel better due to the release of our “feel-good” hormones. When dopamine, endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin are released into the bloodstream, we feel euphoric. These hormones improve our mood and reduce our feelings of stress and anxiety. They increase our self-esteem and confidence. Recognition of our blessings causes us to focus on the positive aspects of our life and tends to give us a positive outlook.

No matter the time of year, remember to be grateful for all things, great and small. If we are honest, many of us have everything we need. We must acknowledge our blessings and live each day with grateful hearts. It is not only good practice, but it's good for our health. Be Grateful!

Here’s to your health!