What Are You Thankful for in 2020?

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” – Melody Beattie

Do you find it can be difficult to take a moment to express gratitude for all of life’s blessings? 2020 has beaten and bruised us all. Embrace the hardship as growth and take this time to reflect on your blessings this Thanksgiving.

Psychologists from the Universities of Miami and California, Davis completed a study on gratitude. For 10 weeks, the researchers asked one group of study participants to create a list of those things for which they were grateful. A second group was asked to jot down things that were unpleasant or irritating. A third group wrote about things that affected them – whether negatively or positively.

The study concluded that those who literally took note of their thankfulness were more optimistic about their lives and the future. The same group also exercised more and remained healthier.

What are you thankful for? Being grateful does not always have to be a big production.

• • Say a silent “thank you” for the meal you’re about to enjoy.
  • Did you get a holiday bonus? Send a hand-written thank you note to your supervisor.
  • Did your package arrive today? Shout a socially distanced, “THANKS,” to your UPS, USPS, FedEX or Prime driver.

Train your brain to start being thankful this Thanksgiving. Showing gratitude is the best path to success, health and happiness. Once you begin, it will be easier to appreciate the small things more deeply and often.