Every month I get a newsletter from my friend, Joanne, who is a Realtor working out of St. Augustine at this time. She has stayed with me on several occasions over the years but nowadays, I don't get to see her as much due to her venue change. I used to do these mailings for her when her office was here in OP. Love it that she still has me on her mailing list even though I haven't needed her services in several years. The last time she was here in a professional role was after the Great Flood when I was sure I wanted to sell and get out of here. Good thing cooler heads prevailed. At that time, it might not have been the best idea to cut and run as the economy was still reeling from the bursting bubble.
This month's letter included a print out from the professional support group to which Joanne belongs, listing 8 things for which to be thankful, not only one day, but every single day. I agree with it, for the most part:
Expressing gratitude---
1. will improve your attitude, give you a more optimistic outlook and improve mental strength.
2. builds stronger relationships by using good manners with family members and strangers. Pay attention to others and their needs, build them up.
3. will help give you better mental health. How? Write down whatever is causing you frustration or angst which can help you evaluate and perhaps deal with the matter. Expressing gratitude can help you deal better with life's circumstances.
4. enhances physical health as studies have shown a correlation between gratitude and health. Frequent exercise and regular doctor visits will help to achieve this.
5. boost self-esteem by taking inventory of what you are grateful for to help maintain the proper perspective so you don't compare yourself to others.
6. promotes better sleeping if you jot down the things for which you are thankful to allow for a more peaceful night's rest.
7.Increase your empathy for others by being more sensitive to the needs and feelings of other people.
If a person is grateful they might be less likely to be retaliatory in their actions.
8. spreads happiness as it spreads over your whole life, having a sense of well-being and satisfaction in your daily living.
The source for this is from an article titled: 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude That Will Motivate You to Give Thanks Year Round, 2014. This is a mouthful and I am grateful to not have to type it again!
Along with this list, I would like to recommend a book written by a Lutheran pastor in TX, "364 Days of Thanksgiving", released just this month. It is available via Amazon or Northwestern Publishing House. He has a blog title by the same name, and it has been a blessing to me. I am grateful for it!
