I am thankful for my supportive friends and family, my wonderful husband, and all good things the universe has in store for 2022. ~Natalie
Practicing Gratitude
According Harvard Medical School, gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what someone receives. Thankfulness is easily felt when someone demonstrates their gratitude for us and easily given when we express our gratitude for others. The gesture and feeling is simple, but actually has a lot of benefits for both the giver and the receiver. Several gratitude studies show that practicing gratitude can greatly benefit our emotional well-being.
Emotional Benefits
By increasing our gratitude, we directly affect our emotional well-being. Many studies from Emmons and other researchers say that gratitude reduces feelings of envy, frustration and other toxic feelings that, in turn, increase our overall happiness and reduce depression. The reduction of negativity clears our minds to allow us to take in positive feelings. Take a look at these other emotional benefits from practicing gratitude.
- Increases long-term happiness
- Reduces envy
- Increases life-satisfaction
- Makes us more optimistic
- Lowers instances of depression
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; Good Deeds Day; Natalie Bill
