The holiday season tends to be a time when most people remember to count their blessings and give thanks. One of my family traditions is for each person to say what they’re thankful for during our Thanksgiving meal. And while remembering to be grateful during the holiday season is important, gratitude is something that, when practiced regularly, can improve our lives significantly.

Many studies have been conducted on the power of gratitude and the results are compelling. A study by two psychologist, Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami revealed that those who wrote down things they were grateful for (as opposed to study participants who wrote negative things or about things with no significant positive/negative impact) were happier, more optimistic, exercised more and had less doctor visits.

Another study looked at people journaling three things that went well in their day and found them to be happier and less depressed, even months after the conclusion of the study.

One study on college students receiving counseling for mental health concerns including anxiety and depression revealed that those instructed to write one letter of gratitude to another person for 3 weeks reported improved mental health 4 and 12 weeks after the study (as opposed to the group writing negative experiences and the group not writing at all).

The studies are endless but their results are all similar. Practicing gratitude is beneficial to our mental health and overall contentment with our life. Gratitude helps us to appreciate this one life we are given. It allows us to cultivate strong relationships. It allows us to recognize that goodness exists all around us and helps us to connect to something larger than ourselves.

A while back, I started a practice of writing down 10 things that I loved about my day each evening. Throughout the day I jot them down in the notes section of my phone because my mom brain often forgets. These things range from a moment of quiet in the morning, to an amazing cup of coffee, to the sound of my little boy running down the hallway. Anything and everything has made my list and this simple 10 minutes of writing each evening has significantly impacted my life. Because even on challenging days, I find at least 10 things I loved about that day… 10 things I’m grateful for… and it helps me to remember just how fortunate I am. It reminds me that this life is sweet and spicy, messy and beautiful – all at the same time. And I GET to DECIDE if I focus on the spicy and messy or the sweet and beautiful.

So, as tomorrow (Thanksgiving) approaches and we are reminded of our blessings, maybe try this practice with me. It just might change your life.

Happy Thanksgiving. I’m so grateful for you being here with me.

Love, Jessica