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For the Glass-Half-Empty Folks: Eight Things to Be Thankful For
As Thanksgiving in the U.S. approaches, and with Canada’s holiday having just passed, many of us are thinking about what we’re thankful for.
It’s easy to focus on the not-so-great things in life, especially if you have depression or some other debilitating illness. But changing the way you think about these things can improve your mental and physical well-being.
Research has shown that people with an ongoing tendency to be grateful are physically and mentally healthier than those who lack this trait. Their well-being is fueled by optimism and actively engaging in life. Thankful people are less susceptible to depression, anxiety, anger, and other negative emotions.
With that in mind, here are eight things to look at differently and be thankful for:
- If you wake up before the sun rises to get to work, be thankful for the opportunity to see another sunrise and for having a job.
- When you're stuck in traffic, be thankful for having a car to get where you need to go and for having money to buy gasoline.
- If you have to wait in a long line at the supermarket, be thankful for the ability to afford what you want to eat and for having a convenient place to buy it.
- Be thankful for the ability to pay your bills, even if it means compromising on things that you want. Having basic needs met is a luxury for many people.
- When you and your significant other argue, be thankful for having someone in your life who loves you and wants you to be happy.
- When your children or siblings scream at each other (or at you), be thankful for having family members to love and who love you unconditionally.
- When your parents tell you how to live your life, be thankful that they’re still around. If your parents have passed, take a moment to be thankful for the time you had with them.
- Be thankful for growing older. Not everyone gets the opportunity.
This Thanksgiving, take advantage of the ability to let your loved ones know how thankful you are to have them in your life.
Source: Psychology Today
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