Are you interested in knowing a great way to not only be happier in life, but also increase your overall health? If so, the answer is simple: be thankful and grateful.
Studies show that individuals who generally have a positive outlook on life, regardless of their individual situations, tend to be healthier and live an average of seven years longer than their more negative counterparts. The theory is quite simple: it takes more energy and strain on the body to be negative than it does to be positive.
Seems like we should have a world full of happy, healthy people right?
In theory yes, reality no; but since I’m taking the advice of my own words, I’m optimistic that over time we can achieve universal happiness. It’s important to note that I said happiness and not perfection because the latter doesn’t exist.
Don’t get me wrong; I know how difficult life can be. In the words of one of my favorite poets Langston Hughes, “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” While my life has had challenges, disappointments, and heartache, I’m grateful for all of my experiences because they’ve helped to shape me into the woman I am today. My life experiences also provided me with a very realistic perspective on life in general; which has allowed me to think less of myself and more of others.
My brother, who is a year older than me, has a saying whenever something good or bad happens to him. That saying is “I’m thankful and grateful.” To hear my brother say his mantra is a bit funny because of the frequent number of times he uses it, but also because of his way of saying those four words. Over time, not only have I become accustomed to his saying, but I’ve also adopted it as my own.
There are so many things for us to be thankful and grateful for. This holiday season, my wish to all Recorder readers is that you search within your own world to realize how thankful and grateful you are. In the event that you need a bit of help, here are some things I’m sure you can be thankful for:
• The ability to have needed supplies — Within the past week, I was driving in my car and saw two elderly men (on different days and different parts of town) using a stick that was at least 6-feet-tall to brace themselves as they walked to their destination. Not only were these gentlemen walking in cold temperatures, but they also were using sticks to support themselves. In this modern country that we live in, no one should have to use a discarded tree branch in the place of a cane.
• Your health — Although you may have pains, ailments, or suffer from a debilitating disease there’s always someone who is worse off than you are. Rather than focusing on the negative aspects of your illness, think about the clear perspective your condition has given you. Whenever I get sick, I remind myself of the children at St. Jude’s Hospital and how, despite their conditions, you can generally find them smiling about something.
• Your job — Gas is an average of $3.15 per gallon, bills have to be paid and food has to be purchased. Enough said?
• Your loved ones — Although they may drive you absolutely batty, remember that everyone goes through something in life. You might not quite understand why a person is acting the way he/she is, but just remember why you loved them in the first place. At the end of the day, family and close friends are all we have to depend on for love, support and other adversities.
• The little things — I truly appreciate looking at a sleeping child, helping my younger cousins with their schoolwork, watching a man admire the woman he loves, or simply enjoying the different color leaves that fall brings. If we take time to appreciate the little things, we’ll REALLY appreciate the other more substantial things.
Life can often feel like a roller coaster with its ups and downs. However, if we pay close attention, there are usually challenges that happen during the good times and good things that happen during the challenging times.
Have a thankful and grateful holiday!
