10 Things to Be Thankful For

During Thanksgiving, take some time to reflect on what's most important and express your gratitude to those you love. We're only here for a very short time and being thankful will help you value it.

1. Life: According to a study published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science (Karniol, R., Grosz, E. A., & Schorr, I. Y. (2003)), individuals who express gratitude for life experiences tend to have higher overall life satisfaction. This suggests that recognizing life as a gift can contribute to a more positive outlook.
2. Laughter: Research published in the journal Emotion (Martin, R. A. (2002)) indicates that laughter has numerous health benefits, including reducing stress and improving cardiovascular function. Sharing laughter daily can contribute to overall emotional well-being and physical health.
3. Trust: A study in the Journal of Marriage and Family (Johnson, M. P., & Rhoades, G. K. (2011)) emphasizes the crucial role of trust in romantic relationships. Trust is linked to relationship satisfaction and stability, highlighting its significance in fostering healthy connections.
4. Tears: Psychologist Dr. William Frey's research (Frey, W. H., & DeSota-Johnson, D. (1997)) suggests that crying has stress-relieving benefits. Emotional support during vulnerable moments, such as crying on a loved one's shoulder, can enhance emotional well-being.
5. Sharing: The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (Reis, H. T., & Gable, S. L. (2003)) highlights the importance of sharing experiences in building strong relationships. Shared positive experiences contribute to relationship satisfaction and strengthen emotional bonds.
6. Serenity: According to a study in the Journal of Happiness Studies (Diener, E., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2002)), individuals with a sense of life purpose and direction experience higher levels of life satisfaction. This aligns with the article's point about the tranquility that comes from knowing one's identity and goals.
7. Happiness: Positive psychology research (Lyubomirsky, S., King, L., & Diener, E. (2005)) emphasizes that happiness is a subjective experience influenced by various factors, including relationships. Being loved and feeling content contributes significantly to an individual's overall happiness.
8. Health: Studies in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine (Uchino, B. N., Cacioppo, J. T., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (1996)) suggest that social support, including care from a partner, can positively impact physical health. A supportive relationship can aid in coping with illness and enhance overall well-being.
9. Faith: Research published in the Journal of Positive Psychology (Pargament, K. I., Murray-Swank, N., & Tarakeshwar, N. (2005)) explores the connection between faith and well-being. Having faith in a higher power can provide individuals with a sense of purpose and resilience during challenging times.
10. Friendship: The importance of friendship in relationships is supported by research in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (1999)), which emphasizes the role of friendship as a foundation for lasting romantic connections.

I love Thanksgiving. It's a time when I get to remind myself of the many things I am grateful for, and my readers are a big part of that. Thank you.