Kindred Gifts' Blog

Happy Thanksgiving!

With this great American holiday happening today, it got me to thinking about the simple (yet often underused) task of giving thanks.

While the celebration of Halloween has been the American holiday that's really starting to take off in Australia these days, I wonder if celebrating a day of thanks would actually make for a much better sentiment then eating vast amounts of sugar and dressing up as Dracula?

Don't get me wrong, I love chocolate and lollies and dressing up as much as any 5 year old, but perhaps a yearly reminder of what's great in our lives would lead to a happier, healthier planet. In fact, more and more, research is suggesting that maintaining an 'attitude of gratitude' can improve psychological, emotional and even physical well-being.

Indeed, research just out from Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., has shown that giving thanks is, quite simply, good for your health. The study found that adults who regulary feel grateful have more happiness, more optimism, more energy and more social connections than those who do not. They're also less likely to suffer from depression, feel envious, be greedy or become alcoholics. They sleep better, exercise more regularly, have greater resistance to infections and even earn more money!

And it's not just great for the adults either. Researchers are finding that feelings of gratitude bring similar benefits to children and adolescents. Studies show that grateful children tend to be less materialistic, get better grades, set higher goals and complain of fewer headaches and stomach aches. They also feel more satisfied with their friends, families and schools than those who don't.

With the holidays almost upon us, it might be time then to give gratitude a go in order to get through the 'silly season'. Focusing on positive thoughts, expressing thanks aloud and looking for something to be grateful for in those around you (especially loved ones!) can make a big difference to coping with stress around Christmas. New York psychiatrist Drew Ramsey says this is an essential tool for surviving the holidays. "Giving thanks for them helps you deal with the craziness that is part of every family," he says.

So next time the family starts to drive you crazy, sit back, take a deep breath and be thankful for the fact that, even though they may send you up the wall, they certainly help you know you're alive!

To celebrate the idea of gratitude, I've put together a list (a reminder really) of all I have to be grateful for at the moment.

This week the top things I'm thankful for are:

- being able to work every day in a job I love

- creating a business that has a positive impact on the world

- my family and friends, for all their constant love and support

- my two cute dogs for making me laugh every day

- living in 'The Lucky Country' where freedom and abundance are just a way of life

What are you thankful this day, week, month or year? Take some time to stop and ask yourself this question - you might just be happier than you realise!