An Attitude of Gratitude
By
Sue, Activity Director and Editor
Once again the Holidays are approaching. I am thankful for those of you who have arrived safely this last month. Welcome! Silveridge resident Phyliss Woods sent me this timely article about gratitude and I wanted to share a few thoughts with you.
Five reasons to be grateful for gratitude
Sometime soon this holiday season, you’re likely to find yourself sitting or standing around a table, being asked to tell everyone what you’re grateful for. You might think this is a beautiful tradition. Or you might think it’s a hokey one. But you probably don’t think of it as one essential for your mental and physical health. Yet that’s exactly what it is. Through various studies gratitude has been shown to have an exceptionally positive influence on all aspects of our health. What’s more, the benefits of gratitude are extremely long-lasting.
- You feel better. In one study people were asked to write a few words of either gratitude or irritation, for a week. It found that people who expressed gratitude experienced fewer aches and pains. They also required fewer trips to the doctor. Gratitude made them measurably healthier.
- You take better care of yourself. The same study was somewhat surprised to learn that an offshoot of gratitude was an increase in positive behavior, like exercising more frequently.
- You feel happier. Write a letter of thanks to someone from your past or present. Thank you notes always are appreciated. It is a double blessing for the receiver and the giver!
- You increase your mental strength. Gratitude makes it possible for you to deal better with the difficulties of life. One study found that Vietnam veterans with higher levels of gratitude experienced lower levels of PTSD.
- You increase your self-esteem. By focusing on what you have, instead of what you lack, gratitude helps you step back from the rat race and appreciate what you’ve already achieved.
And may I add that I am most grateful for your kindness and love. You all reach out to others helping in so many ways. How touching it was to see so many of you attend the recent memorials as you shared stories and gave generously to Lou’s jewelry tree. The decorating committee thanks you!
I am asking that you would continue in that spirit by giving to the children of military families this Christmas. The decorators will have a box labeled in the lobby for you to donate toys and other gifts.
This month marks the beginning of our “dual” newsletter. I mentioned last month that I have a co-partner in our monthly newsletter. Dale Dauten is our new online editor and an accomplished author. I contribute monthly articles and pictures from us and he writes additional park news; such as ideas from our owner, Al LaCanne. Check out a personal story written by one of our own residents. Email dale@dauten.com. if you would like to contribute a story And don’t forget to vote for our new park motto either online or use the insert in my printed publication . I realize that many of you are not accustomed to reading online. As we transition the newsletter be assured that I will continue to print a smaller version which will be in your mail boxes with the calendar and advertising inserts. Additional copies will be at the activity desk. I am grateful for your attitude of continual learning and growth.
Let us continue in the spirit of learning and love as we enter our Holiday Season!