As I sit on 280 waiting in traffic at the 119 junction I begin to notice all of the angry people. I look as these people are cursing the cars in front of them because of the inevitable wreck on 280. I think to myself “why are they so unhappy?” I think about my 

situation. I’m sitting in a comfortable seat in an air conditioned vehicle while I listen to a podcast that I chose with a cup of coffee at my side.  I can call and speak with anyone I need to or watch videos on  youtube on my phone. More than 90% of the world is searching for food or taking water in buckets from contaminated streams to their family. They have to beat their clothes with rocks at the creek to get them clean while I sit in a vehicle that cost more than they’ll make this year and next year. How could I not be thankful?

Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for all we have.  This includes the seniors in our lives that provide wisdom and love for all of us.  We need to show gratitude for those who have come before us – they have paved the way for the life we have today. Their knowledge, experiences, and stories have mentored us to be better at our jobs, better parents, and just better humans in general.

Thankful for those who came before me..

I was blessed to have very thankful grandparents. They were not rich or famous, but they were thankful for everything and every day. You can learn to be thankful, and I promise you it will make your life wonderful. Once you learn to create and cultivate that feeling within yourself, gratitude turns into a tool you can use to actively reshape thought pathways in your brain. Yep…you can strengthen the parts of your brain that are associated with positive thinking. In my life, if I’m sitting on 65 or 280 in a traffic jam. I smile, look at the angry people and wonder why they are unhappy. An entitled mindset can never be thankful.  We’re not riding camels or donkeys, we’re comfortable and entertained while we sit. I use that time to be mindful of my life. While the traffic sucks to those around me I focus on the good things and am thankful.  I am more comfortable in that traffic jam than many people in the world are in their homes. Thankfulness comes pretty easy when you look at how blessed we are. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “in everything give thanks” Count blessings, not sheep.

Gratitude Improves Happiness

Research in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. Robert Emmons, a leading gratitude researcher, has conducted multiple studies on the link between gratitude and well-being. His research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression. 

Gratitude improves self-esteem.. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs—a major factor in reduced self-esteem—grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments. 

• Other positive attributes to being grateful:
• Gratitude increases mental strength.
• Gratitude improves resilience.
• Gratitude improves sleep.
• Gratitude strengthens relationships.
• Gratitude improves physical health.

Research from Northeastern University has found that people who felt grateful for little, everyday things were more patient and better able to make sensible decisions, compared to those who didn’t feel very gracious on a day-to-day basis. For example, when 105 undergraduate students were asked to choose between receiving a small amount of money immediately or a larger sum in the future, the students who had shown more gratitude in earlier experiments were able to hold out for more cash.

Still not convinced?

The benefits of gratitude are well-documented. Spending just 10 minutes a day thinking about what you’re grateful for helps you focus on the positive and drown out any negatives – and not just in the moment. In as little as two weeks, a daily gratitude practice rewires your brain to make you happier and more optimistic. So, gratitude makes you happier, healthier, have better relationships, lowers stress, and gives you more friends. Why not begin practicing gratefulness today since it is getting close to Thanksgiving? Take a few minutes to list what you’re thankful for. I promise that this practice will change your life – it has ours.

If that Senior loved one in your life needs a caregiver Dwell at Home is a new App that matches seniors with independent caregivers based on interest, hobbies, and preferences. We believe that seniors should have the best day possible and with Dwell at Home you’re bringing the best to their doorstep.  Download our free App today on any device.

Have a grateful and happy Thanksgiving! 

Dwell at Home helps seniors find care with a mobile application that values convenience, personalized care, and trust.  Our app matches you with an independent caregiver that will fit your needs.  You can download the app in the Apple App store today by clicking here!

Dwell at Home is not a licensed medical professional and all information provided is provided “as is” with no warranties. You should consult a licensed physician for any questions related to your health.  Dwell at Home makes no guarantee about any application or third-party website mentioned in any article on this website.