Gratitude

November 26, 2024
Research shows that gratitude improves psychological wellbeing, can reduce depression and anxiety, and benefit physical health. Gratitude also increases the stickiness of the social glue among us.

Interestingly, research shows that HOW you express gratitude is important – it is most effective when:

1. We need to exert effort, like writing a thank you note.

2. When we shift from being thankful FOR to thankful TO.

To do the above, we need to have:

A) Deep reflection.

B) Recognition of the giver.

C) Outward expression.

On Thursday you may hear something like:

My wife Stephanie: “What are you thankful for?”

And I’ll say: “I’m thankful that the Detroit Lions are a watchable football team and I’m thankful for the other 2 Fs of family and food. I’m also thankful for good health and loving relationships.”

Not bad, but it would be better to say:

“I’m thankful to you, Stephanie. I had a cold last week, and you let me rest by putting our boys to bed and doing the cooking and the dishes. As a result, I feel better today, and I can be present with you all!”

Or even better, I would say:

“I wrote this thank you note to you, Stephanie. Let me read it to you right now. ‘Thank you Stephanie for ..’”

As the late Tim Keller said:

"It's one thing to be grateful.  It's another to give thanks.  Gratitude is what you feel.  Thanksgiving is what you do."

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and more importantly, that you give thanks to someone every day.

Additional reading: