The “T” in Thanksgiving.

After Halloween, we are wide open heading into the holidays. For me Halloween kicks things off, but it’s Thanksgiving I really look forward to each year. There is something to be said about family and friends gathering around a table heavy with our favorite foods. Foods we often get only on this special holiday.

Unlike Christmas which to me has become very commercialized, Thanksgiving is the time to reflect back over the year. We are thankful for what we have come through, grateful for where we presently are and optimistic about the future.

Being grateful has many benefits to us physically as well. There is good reason why our mothers would tell us to stop feeling sorry for ourselves. Yes it can be hard to let go of what has hurt us, but when we choose to focus on the positive even with a simple thank you, we can transform our lives. (Read this next: If this is you STOP.)

There are scientifically proven benefits to being thankful. Here are a few:

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• Gratitude improves physical health. Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains. They exercise more often and tend to have a positive outlook on life.
• Gratitude improves mental health. When you focus on what YOU are thankful for, you reduce feelings of envy and resentment. Gratitude increases happiness while reducing depression.
• Grateful people sleep better. Taking a few moments to write in gratitude journal improves sleep, according to a 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Try spending ten minutes jotting down a few things you’re grateful for as part of your bed time routine.

Being thankful can benefit us all. Instead of complaining about what you lack or what you think you deserve, take a few moments to be thankful for what you HAVE. When you are focused on the positives in your life, your overall feeling of well-being will improve.

This week, I want to take a moment to thank all of you for being in my life one way or another and wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.

To your health,

Denise