A Thanksgiving Gratitude Series
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It reminds me to pause, feel, and express gratitude. In all of my years as a psychologist I can truly say that the presence of an ongoing feeling of gratitude is the healthiest, most life affirming emotion available to us. In this past Tuesday’s NY Times science section there was an article summarizing the research on gratitude. Those who were continually grateful were happier, less depressed (if at all), had better relationships, more energy, lived longer, dealt better with stress, were more productive at work, were more generous…the list goes on. On this special day, Thanksgiving, we recognize those specific things, people, and events that have enhanced our lives. I personally endeavor to live Thanksgiving 365 days a year; and while our lives always have ups and downs, stressors and challenges, bearing in mind those gifts that we are surrounded by, big and small, is always quite identifiable if we just take a slow deep breath, and become aware. And most importantly, I always keep in mind the wonder, miracle if you will, of this enterprise of life, and the infinite beauty of existence.
Dr. Mark Vogel
Putting the Pieces Together