As we near the end of the year, November is the month of gratitude. What is gratitude? Gratitude is being thankful and showing appreciation. Research shows that gratitude has a positive impact on both physical and mental health. When we express gratitude, we shift our focus to something good rather than focusing on the negative. This year has been met with unforeseen, challenging, undesirable events. It would be easier to focus on all the negatives in our lives but what if we focused on the good? What if we focused on the positive aspects of our lives or focused on showing appreciation to others? How would that change us, change our families, and our communities? The words of Alice Morse Earle always come to mind when I think about gratitude: “Everyday may not be good but there’s something good in every day.” Here are 4 ways that you and your family can show gratitude.

1. Write a letter. Show gratitude by writing a letter to an important person in your life thanking that person for the role that they play in your life. Let that person know the reasons you care about them.
2. Be in the moment. Show gratitude by being present and enjoying the people around you. When you participate in activities, be fully engaged, allowing yourself to be aware of all your senses.
3. Do an act of kindness. Show gratitude by doing something kind for someone without expecting anything in return. Let this be a daily practice.
4. Let go of anger and bitterness. Show gratitude by letting go of any anger, resentment, and bitterness that has been plaguing your life. Forgive.

Dr. Gift McDougal

“Creating Meaning. Inspiring Hope. Transforming Lives”