SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2019 17
By Sherrie Chaparro, Resident
Thanksgiving is the one holiday out of the year specifically
dedicated to gratitude. Perhaps many of you have a family tradition
of going around the table before the feast begins, giving each person
a chance to say what it is they are thankful for. Typically, we hear the
usual: I'm thankful for my family, my friends, for my continued good
health and the health of my loved ones, for having enough money to
live comfortably and travel (and to buy another pair of shoes I don't
need), that we're not in WWIII yet.
But why limit this practice to one day out of the year? Have you tried
ending each day with a five item list of the things you were grateful
for that day: I'm thankful that it rained today (we need it), that my
roses are still blooming, that I completed my walk before it got too
hot. No item is too large or too small. Studies too numerous mention
have found that "an attitude of gratitude" facilitates contentment
with what you have, promotes physical health, enhances sleep and
strengthens relationships. In addition, grateful people are generally
more helpful, generous, empathetic and compassionate.
So instead of limiting your gratitude to one day out of the year, try
it for the entire month of November and let me know how it works
out for you.
An Attitude of Gratitude
