I have committed to post three blogs between now and Thanksgiving that are completely focused on the words “Thanks” and “Giving”. Starting today, which will focus on Thanks.

Here are some interesting statistics on the importance of being thankful:

If you choose an “Attitude of Gratitude”, chances are you will be happier.

Take a look at this article: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/science-thankfulness/story?id=15008148

My favorite quote from it, which I will attempt this month:

“One of the most well-known practices uncovered from this research is known as the Three Blessings exercise,” said Jain. “Each night before going to bed you write down three good things (ordinary or extraordinary) that happened to you during the day. Studies reveal those who continue this exercise for one week straight can increase their happiness and decrease depressive symptoms for up to a six-month period.”

Thankfulness contributes to overall health.

Your mental state affects your physical state, and for obvious reasons, when you focus on others and gratitude –you aren’t focusing on your own problems. Focusing on your problems tends to affect all sorts of health factors:

Read this link about the health benefits of thankfulness, both to mind and body:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/saying-thanks/the-health-benefits-of-saying-thanks.aspx

What Am I Thankful For?

I have not been the perfect child, nor the perfect parent, or spouse…and I don’t think there are such things so I don’t have many regrets. Yet, there are a lot of boundaries I have never crossed and never will…and I am thankful for the strength and fortitude to stick to those standards, even when doing so has caused difficulty or ridicule.

I am thankful for children that no matter where they are, nor how busy, they take the time to text me back if I send a simple “I love you” randomly during the day or night –even if I thumb type it wrong and mispell.

I am thankful for a husband that has made my life something straight out of a story book (though he’s equally lucky in my book!)

I love having met so many wonderful associates in the writing world that have lives so different than mine, yet they share a dedicated desire to express themselves through their work –their art. I learn from them constantly.

And I am thankful for good health, the hope of a future success, a future goal, a future friendship, a future bestseller (wouldn’t that be nice), and future knowledge gained.

What are you thankful for?