Gratitude

With Thanksgiving this week, gratitude has been on my mind a bit more. Being a data-driven dad, I did a little research tonight on the psychology of gratitude. I didn't find anything earth-shattering, but did find this article interesting, which points to various research that confirms what we know: gratitude has many mental, social, and physical benefits.

• Physical - stronger immune system, fewer aches, lower blood pressure, better sleep
• Psychological - higher positive emotions, higher alertness, more joy/optimism, mental strength/resilience
• Social - more generous, more helpful, more forgiving, higher self-esteem, greater empathy, deeper relationships

As we feel gratitude, we celebrate the present and acknowledge the goodness of someone beyond ourselves. This helps us replace negative emotions and avoid stress. Gratitude however takes effort and practice, and is a skill that we can improve.

Research suggests that keeping a gratitude journal is one of the most effective ways to improve our ability to be grateful. On a side note, I find it fascinating when research confirms the benefits of living gospel principles. The Lord has long taught us to be grateful, and it is really for our own benefit and happiness.

So what am I grateful for? Let's just start with my family.

I am so grateful for my loving wife Sadie. She is so good to me and has always seen the best in me. Sadie has taught me what it means to love, how to see past faults, and how to sincerely care about someone. Her sincerity and desire for goodness are contagious. She helps me not to take life too seriously, to laugh, and to have fun.

I am grateful for Arilyn. She is such a sweetheart. Tonight when we said our prayers, I asked her what she thought Jesus wanted her to do. She said she wanted to keep being a good helper. She loves learning and teaching. I am grateful for her desire to do what is right.

I am grateful for Micah. That boy is such a funny kid. He loves to laugh and to make everyone else laugh. Ever since he started to talk, Sadie and I like to quote the funny things he says. He's creative, intelligent, loves to build, make up stories, and do puzzles.

I am grateful for Tanner. He also likes to laugh, and loves to be in the middle of the party. He's not afraid of jumping into the dog pile. He's a curious little guy and loves exploring on his own. I am grateful for his tender heart.

I am grateful to be me. I'm grateful for the experiences and talents the Lord has given me to help me understand his grace and mercy. I am grateful for my health and my strength, and the ability to provide a good home for my family.

I am trying to make gratitude be a driving force in my life. As I was writing this post, my computer had a few issues. I'm grateful that thinking about gratitude helped me not get frustrated. See! It's working already :).