The “Science” of Gratitude

I have always loved Thanksgiving and the holidays associated with December. For me these holidays have brought treasured memories. Most of them I have spent with family who I love and care about. Family traditions always add a special touch as well. The turkey, Charlie Brown specials, football, pies, gifts, holiday decorations, and special music make this time of year special.

My parents are special people. They raised six of us kids. There never seemed to be a dull moment in our household growing up. I am the youngest of five boys and I also have a younger sister. My parents always made these holidays very special for my siblings and me despite a modest teacher’s income. My parents seemed to constantly teach us about gratitude. They taught us in many different circumstances the importance of being grateful and expressing gratitude to others. These teachings sunk deep into my mind and heart. I have tried to instill these same values into my three boys. I guess you could say I believe in gratitude. I strongly believe that grateful people are happy people.

Fortunately, research agrees with this premise (http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/harvard_mental_health_letter/2011/november/in-praise-of-gratitude). Research indicates that happiness and gratitude are closely linked.

Over the almost 13 years of working at Logan River Academy I have worked with a lot of adolescents and their families. One marker of progress I look for is when I see students start to show gratitude to their parents and the staff here at Logan River Academy. I have noticed that students who show gratitude are often some of our most successful students.

Research indicates that expressing gratitude can improve our health, emotional well being and relationships. There are many ways to cultivate gratitude in your life. Please consider applying a few of the following examples:

1.                  Write in a gratitude journal often.

2.                  Write thank you cards to those who do kind things for you.

3.                  Call someone today and express thanks for your relationship with them.

4.                  Say “thank you” often.

5.                  Make it a point to show gratitude to your spouse. Gratitude seems to heal many wounds.

6.                  Remember and count your blessings. Many times we get caught up in what is not going well instead  of the many blessings in our lives.

Gratitude is a wonderful principle that we can all apply no matter what our circumstances. Most of us have a lot to be grateful for. We wish to extend to our Logan River families a very heart-felt Happy Holidays. We are grateful for you and our privilege to know you and serve you. 

Matt Erickson, LCSW