How Gratitude Improves Health

On difficult days, when little seems to be going right, how do you dig yourself out of the mud? Over the years, I have learned a little secret, finding things to be grateful for, and shifting your focus to helping someone is a great way to move into joy.

Gratitude. A forgotten word for some, the most important for others, yet for all, it can be a word that brings hope and healing. It is an antidote to the sickness of self-centeredness, and it is contagious, but it never harms the receiver. You can always give it away without losing it yourself.....isn't that amazing? If you don't know where to find it, read on!

It's quite obvious in our world today, that not everyone has enough happiness, and some want to give but have never been drawn out of the selfish mode. It's a stretch when you are feeling mistreated or unappreciated. People with greater struggles than my own help me keep perspective. They may have less possessions but be happier than the richest person in the world.

I am often overwhelmed with all that I had to be thankful for. The basics, shelter, clothing, food, yes of course people who care about me. How often we can forget to say the most simple thank you's to the people around us who are meaningful to us.

Early this morning I received a thank you from a woman who is gratefully flourishing in recovery. I gave her 20 days of my life, some inspired counseling of which I was not the initiator but the messenger, and 3 years of prayer. Through every experience I learn much, it was worth it because she matters in life to a whole lot more people.

Everyone who is in my life matters because we cannot live isolated, even when it hurts. I am not one to easily give up, even when it costs me something. It is my deep relationships with people that help me stay in that attitude of the heart. Perhaps that is why I have chosen gratitude as a way of life.

I try to make a mental list daily, and these are my top 7:

1) My family, the strategic community I was placed in for time and eternity. All of them in some special way contribute to who I am becoming. They also help me understand how I want to relate or don't want fit into the negative collective cultures within mankind

2) My friendships, forged in the good times and the difficult. Especially my closest ones, who tell me the truth and help me grow exponentially through humility. Sometimes I don't like their advice, but that doesn't mean I don't need to hear it!

3) My faith community, those who have mentored and pastored and ministered to me through my education and practical ministry to the lost, hurting, suffering, which sometimes include my family and friends.

4) The people I serve from my God-enlarged heart, and who remind me what is important in life: the simplest, most meaningful exchanges, transactions and values that keep me committed to not forgetting how everyone fits into this world that appears exclusive to so many.

5) The technology to transcend physical obstacles, and communicate with people from all backgrounds and cultures and needs. It has made my world so much larger than myself which it well should be, and expands my thinking when it becomes myopic through the blessings and challenges of my "extended family of friends."

6) My health which allows me to be carried practically through my world, and reminds me from time to time of the fragility and frailties that limitations can present to many. This is my reminder to never forget those who are set aside and to take time and patience to include them in important activities and events when it takes more time and effort to do so. I am so grateful for the lessons they have learned and taught me through suffering that cannot be gained anyother way.

7) The love of God, which is life support to me. He is my reminder, of every season, not only Christmas, which really is all about His heart toward humanity in sending His Son to Earth to represent Him more clearly. He sustains me when I am weary, gives me hope when I can't seem to find it, changes my heart to care when I can't summon it up in and of myself. He heals my heart pain, (and sometimes my physical ailments as well) provides everything I need to be content and at peace, and provides the right people in my life at the right time for my growth and well being. Sometimes He takes things or people away, but it is through those losses that I learn compassion that is able to be transferred to others in their hour of need. He never gives up on me when I give up on everything.

I am convinced that when these categories are remembered, I am healthier for it, whether spiritually, physically, or emotionally. When I am heartsick, a return to this checklist might be just the recipe I need to be apply for my own health and recovery.

Feel free to make a list of your own and share it with others, as you thank them for what they have contributed to your life. See if it doesn't change your outlook!