An Attitude of Gratitude

An attitude of gratitude should be part of our everyday lives, but is it?

Sometimes in the world today we have a hard time being grateful, especially seeing so much destruction, anger and hatred on TV and through social media. But being grateful for what you do have, walking in an attitude of gratitude is important—to your health, and for others.

Here’s some benefits of being thankful. See how many apply to your life. If not many, then perhaps it’s time to change a bad attitude for an attitude of gratitude.

Not only does giving thanks as well as expressing thanks (gratitude) elevate our level of joy, it also supports our relationships. Joy/thanksgiving is contagious, so it’s good to share with other folks.

Did you know that being grateful is associated with higher levels of good cholesterol (HDL), and lowers levels of bad cholesterol (LDL)? Thanksgiving also lowers blood pressure, both at rest and in stressful situations, not to mention better sleep quality. Other benefits show that grateful, thankful people are more likely to take care of their health and exercise more often.

Overall gratefulness—thanksgiving—can reduce a lifetime risk for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. In fact, gratitude is a key resiliency factor in the prevention of suicide. By celebrating the present, you’re not drawn to the past or uncertain future, but rather your focus on what you already have.

There’s more benefits in being thankful, as Solomon told his son in Proverbs 4:20-22, NASB, “Pay attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. They are not to escape from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.”

Let’s have an attitude of thanksgiving today, tomorrow, and every day of our lives.