Self Care + Beauty: What are you Thankful for?

What are you Thankful for?

By Jennie Renner

You may have heard that practicing gratitude can make you happier. According to an article by Harvard Health Publishing posted online earlier this year, “Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

We asked you to share what you are grateful for. Several of you said you are thankful for God, your faith, health, family, and friends. Here are some other responses we received: “Years ago, a local newspaper asked students what they were thankful for. One young boy’s answer has stayed with me over the years: ‘I’m grateful for the dog I’m going to have one day.’ I saved this clipping from the paper as a reminder not to worry about uncertainty and to celebrate a positive outcome for a dream.”

~ Gayle, North Salem

“I am grateful for coffee in the morning and wine at night!” ~ Jo, Columbia City

“... surviving five cancers from the age of 14 until 66, and the difference it makes in the way I see things and the way I live my life!” ~Randi, Fort Wayne

“... all the seasons - not only the ones where work was exceptional and the family all well - but also the ones that pushed me to get back up, see the collective strength of those around me, and ask for help when I needed it.” ~Frances, Fort Wayne

“... the loving support system I have around me during my breast cancer journey. I wouldn’t be doing as well as I am without the prayers, love, and amazing medical team I am blessed with.” ~Debi, Valparaiso

“... grandchildren who provide stimulating conversations, a comfortable home, and more books than I could read in a lifetime.” ~Alanna, Fort Wayne “... that I can ask Alexa to ‘play popular Broadway show tunes’ and I am lifted out of the darkness, listening, and singing along…” ~Rebecca,

Fort Wayne

How can you add more gratitude to your life?

Here are some some simple ways:

1. Before you get out of bed each day, think of one person you are grateful for. Focus on the specific way they have enriched your life.

2. Each week, choose one of the people you appreciate and send them a card or call them to let them know how much they mean to you.

3. Before dinner, make a habit of saying what you are thankful for. Speaking it out loud makes it more powerful. And if you eat with others, sharing stories of gratitude can have a multiplying effect.

4. While you are waiting - in lines, at the doctor’s office, etc. - think of things you are grateful for that you usually take for granted.

5. Make or buy a gratitude stone.

Place it where you will see it often or carry it with you as a reminder to be thankful.

6. Start a “good things” jar or journal. Write down one good thing that happens each day. Start the tradition this

Thanksgiving and read all the good things from the previous year on the holiday next year. a