In my mind Thanksgiving has long been a holiday that is about food. Sure, I know that is not what the Pilgrims had in mind when they sat down with the American Indians so many years ago, but somewhere along the way, the mashed potatoes and gravy seem to have won out to giving thanks. But lately, I have been thinking about the importance of expressing gratitude. I have been thinking about the need to take time off to cleanse our minds on a daily basis.
There is a lot of research to support how transformative it is for people to intentionally express gratitude. Robert Emmons, professor of psychology at the University of California-Davis has noted that practicing gratitude in a systematic way can actually changes people by changing brains that are "wired for negativity, for noticing gaps and omissions." He explains, "When you express a feeling, you amplify it. When you express anger, you become angrier: When you express gratitude, you become more grateful." This expression of gratitude has been shown to boost emotional health as well as physical health.
So, my challenge to myself, to my family, and to you reading this today, is to experience the transformative power of gratitude. For the next 21 days, I encourage you to write down three distinct things you are grateful for every day. Do not repeat anything on your list. See if that does change your attitude in at least some small way. For my kids, I am going to make this easier by getting large rolls of paper that I will post on their bedroom door for them to write out in marker three things they are grateful for every night. If you take this challenge, you may want to try putting a reminder on your daily calendar to express gratitude, or keeping a journal by your bedside table - anything that will help you remember.
I hear about people doing cleanses all the time, and what a difference it makes for them. Think of this as a cleanse for your emotional health. The focus is on keeping negativity out by having a daily, focused intake of gratitude.
After this is all over, I would love to hear any comments you have about your experience.
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Related post:
Using Gratitude To Find Your Joy - Youtube Video
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