In the past ten years, there has been a great deal of emphasis on the mental health benefits of gratitude. Studies show that giving thanks can help people sleep better, lower stress, and improve relationships. In a study by Dr. Robert Emmons of the University of California and Dr. Michael McCullough of the University of Miami, they asked one group of participants to write about things they were grateful for that had occurred during the week. The second group wrote about daily irritations that were very frustrating. Then, a third group wrote about things in general with no focus on whether it was positive or negative. After 10 weeks, the first group who wrote about gratitude was more optimistic and felt better about their lives than the other two participant groups.
There is no “best” way for keeping a gratitude list. Some people listen to wellness blogs or podcasts that invite them to think about the things and the people for whom they are grateful. Others may prefer an app reminding them, at that moment, to be thankful in some way. And for those of us who default to old-school, we write it down or use a journal. The first time I wrote in “My Gratitude Journal” was at the beginning of the pandemic. I wrote that I was grateful for my job and my family. Interestingly, on that particular day, I felt anything but grateful. In fact, I felt about as ungrateful as a person could possibly be. After six zoom calls in one day with yet another set of instructions on how to do my job virtually, I was done. So, on that day, my gratitude list was nothing more than a BIG FAT LIE! I didn’t touch that journal again for about six months.
I learned with time, that for me, it’s important to schedule a spot each week to slow down and write three things for which I am (actually) grateful. Not the hokey stuff like being so thankful for my very own freshly baked Basque Cheesecake with golden caramel topping or waking up to find I only gained half a pound. That actually shouldn’t ever have made my list, but to be honest, it did. No judgment; you list is yours, and mine is mine! This week it was that (1) all my immediate family is well at this time with no allergy problems, (2) we can finally enjoy being outside because it’s not 100 degrees in the shade, and (3) I’ve bought all the ingredients to make a Basque Cheesecake. Sorry, now that I’m on it, I just can’t let it go! But seriously, as a general rule, about once a week seems to be reasonable for most people to focus on their list. More often and it becomes one more thing added to your (already too long) to-do-list.
Purposefully being grateful does not remove all the chaos in our world, and frankly, it doesn’t seem to make a significant difference for everyone. But for the majority of us who strive to be intentionally grateful, it can improve our mood and help those around us have a better day. Use your creativity as you approach your grateful journey. Consider a challenge for our family with a gratitude read-aloud list as Thanksgiving Day approaches. Or, maybe you simply want to recall a special Thanksgiving that taught you what being thankful is truly all about. Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving, and I am genuinely thankful for the Clarke County Tribune staff and it’s readers.
