“Count your blessings. Name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” These words of a chorus I’ve heard as a child ring in my ear as I reflect on this season of thanksgiving. But is counting really necessary? What benefit does it hold?
Image courtesy of Zdiviv at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
With every language and major religion emphasizing the importance of grateful expressions, there must be some truth to participating in this act.
But before we go there, let me first empathize with you. Maybe right now you are bogged down with backlog assignments to mark, parents to contact, bulletin boards to change, behavior contracts to devise, lessons to evaluate, or reports to produce. Should I go on? Trust me, I’ve been there many times and it’s not a good feeling.
Perhaps you haven’t received a “thank you” from your supervisors in so long that you think they are incapable of it. Such leaders are oblivious to the important role gratitude and appreciation play in creating a healthy work environment. All of these issues can make us think twice about counting our blessings.
If this is you, your first inclination might be to complain, whine or sulk, but would these actions really help you? Not in the least! In fact, we tend to avoid folks who always want to vomit their complaints on others. (Pardon the graphic description, but that’s really what it is).
However, if we do the math and consider counting the good things that come our way, we will embrace the happiness that will multiply in our lives. A newsletter from Harvard Medical School explained that giving thanks makes individuals happier and help them to:
- display emotions that are more positive,
- improve their health,
- enhance their ability to handle adverse situations, and
- build stronger relationships.
All of this just from choosing to practice the attitude of gratitude? Wow!
How do you know if you are a grateful person though? A study by Watkins, Woodward, Stone and Kolts (2003) found that grateful individuals have 3 characteristics:
- Abundance thinking – They have a sense of abundance. They don’t feel that they have been short-changed or disadvantaged in life.
- Appreciation of simple pleasures – The everyday happenings bring them great joy and satisfaction.
- Acknowledgement of others – They appreciate the contribution of others to their well-being. They acknowledge the assistance of people and the assistance of the divine to their success.
So are you a grateful person? Do you count your blessings to allow the happiness to multiply? Yes, it’s easy to do but it’s just as easy not to do. Choose today to adopt an attitude of gratitude. Isn’t your life worth it?
Leave a Comment: For what are you grateful? What practical things do you do to develop the attitude of gratitude?
I am so thankful to have friends/sisters who show up right on time to remind us at the right time to give thanks in all things. Until I am unable to use both my legs 100% I am greatful for the ability to take a walk without pain, enjoy exercising and this beautiful island I am privileged to call home. So when I am able to get back to exercising I won’t complain . Lol, My set back has given me an opportunity to appreciate my family, friends, coworkers and even my job more. More importantly I am greatful to my Heavenly Father who has given me life and allowed me to take time to rest, study his word and see life from the balcony and for this experience I am truly thankful. So Sharmane Thank you for providing me with an opportunity to express my gratitude in writing.
Thanks for sharing Sylvia! Let’s work to reclaiming 100% mobility for you soon.
I too am thankful for friends….and I mean real friends whom I can depend on.
Here’s my quick list with just a few of the many things for which I’m thankful. I’m happy and grateful for:
1. good health and strength.
2. sound mind even after years of intense doctoral studies.
3. a supportive family, especially my understanding husband.
4. friends who encourage and pray for me.
5. a loving heavenly Father who gives me all these good things to enjoy!
So true the message of this blog! as attitude is a little thing, some may say, that can make a big difference. The attitude of gratitude can certainly change your outlook and how you approach your day. There is indeed a “thank you” that can be whispered or exclaimed in every moment and in every occasion . So I say thank you Mrs. Miller for reminding me to wear the attitude of gratitude daily and to yes ‘count my blessings!’
Thanks LeeAnn! What an image: “wearing an attitude of gratitude”.
Love it!!!
Never late just delayed….my gratitude expands across the miles to those who continuously motivate me despite the many times I’m incline to give up….family, friends and foe have all contributed to the person that I am today.
I’ve learnt over the years that a little goes along way therefore, a simple thank you offers much satisfaction to the mass.
So thank you EVERYONE for all that you do to make this life Im living most enjoyable!