As I sit down to write to you, I can't help but reflect on this time last year when we (at my house) decided to cancel Thanksgiving.
This was, no doubt, one of my hardest pandemic moments.
It is often these darker moments of life that shine the light on what we cherish most.
For me, this Thanksgiving season is illuminating a whole new level of gratitude.
While the Thanksgiving holiday was intended to accentuate gratitude, practicing a state of gratitude has many diverse and positive results that go far and beyond Thanksgiving.
Scientists have made great strides toward understanding the scientific roots of gratitude and the various benefits that accompany gratitude. Here are a few of my favorites:
Gratitude Improves Our Eating: Gratitude is a positive state of mind. Gratitude fills your body with loving thoughts, positive intentions, and reverses judgment and criticism (of self or others). Gratitude not only makes us happier.
Gratitude Helps Heal Health Issues: One study found that more grateful cardiac patients reported better sleep, less fatigue, and lower levels of cellular inflammation, and another found that heart failure patients who kept a gratitude journal for eight weeks were more grateful and had reduced signs of inflammation afterwards.
Remember: The best way to express gratitude is to savor and celebrate the pleasure that you do have.
As you tune into the Thanksgiving season this year (especially if the holidays are tough for you), consider focusing on the simple pleasures in your life — a delicious meal you share, the family and friends you cherish, laughter, a warm place to sleep, or a pretty night sky.
Also, on the remaining 364 days of the year — those that can feel more usual and mundane — I invite you to join me in practicing growing your sense of gratitude.
Before I sign off, be sure to scroll down to check out a compilation of some all time favorite Boulder Nutrition recipes –– seasonal, nourishing and perfect for any Thanksgiving table.
Eat well, rest deeply, and take extra good care of you.