by Alison Crane
Every year my gift list seems to grow and I have to try to stretch a very tight budget a little further. I can let stress and frustration be the deciding factor on how I approach the gift giving season, or I can have an attitude of gratitude and be glad that I have so many people to love. In fact, gratitude is actually a gift I can give myself.
Research has shown that people who focus on gratitude exhibit an increase in their happiness scores, are more optimistic and even have fewer visits to physicians. Other research has found that expressing gratitude even improves the relationships of couples. Positive emotions are increased, and we can have a greater relish for the good experiences when we cultivate a thankful appreciation for what we have received. Basically, it is a win-win situation and becomes a gift of happiness that we give ourselves.
When I take time to recognize the goodness that is in my life, I usually find that the source of that goodness lies outside of myself. Regardless of any trouble or loss I have experienced, I am surrounded by something larger than myself.
We can acknowledge people, nature, or a higher power which gives us an appreciation for what we have instead of always reaching for something new.
Each December, my family watches every holiday movie we can find. One of our favorites is “White Christmas” and the whole family will sing along. As I write this article “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” a song from the musical, keeps playing in my head. I think I’ll take the advice of that song and go to sleep tonight, counting my blessings.
For more information on ways to cultivate gratitude in your life or reduce the holiday stress, contact the Garland County Cooperative Extension Service. Visit www.uaex.edu/counties/garland, Facebook @ Garland County Extension Get Fit or UAEX Garland County Family & Consumer Science, or call 501-623-6841.
Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Garland Count Extension Service. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
