I am thankful for another year of being seizure free and for all my friends and family. ~ Jennifer
Practicing Gratitude
The benefits of practicing gratitude are nearly endless. People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they’re thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems. And gratitude doesn’t need to be reserved only for momentous occasions: Sure, you might express gratitude after receiving a promotion at work, but you can also be thankful for something as simple as a delicious piece of pie.
Research by UC Davis psychologist Robert Emmons, author of Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, shows that simply keeping a gratitude journal—regularly writing brief reflections on moments for which we’re thankful—can significantly increase well‑being and life satisfaction.
Be excited about the benefits gratitude practice while also being realistic about the difficulty of building the habit. Recognize and plan for the obstacles that may get in the way. For instance, if you tend to be exhausted at night, realize that may not be the best time to focus on gratitude. Take that time in the morning instead.
We Are Thankful
Each year, at this time, the Merdes Law Office staff reflects and shares that for which we are most thankful. Even though 2021 saw the continuing challenges brought to every one of us by 2020, we each found that we all had something that inspired us to say “Thank You.”
Over the next week, Merdes Law Office will share our 2021 messages of thankfulness with you.
We hope they bring a smile to your face and a reminder that there is ALWAYS a reason to be thankful.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: Ward Merdes; Happify; Jennifer Phillips
