Many years ago, a movie featured a song that offered insights on how best to deal with worry and fatigue. While we are not sure the degree to which the song was based on scientific evidence – the message still rings true today. Here is a line from the song, sung by Bing Crosby in 1954, for the movie White Christmas.

“When you’re worried and you can’t sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep and you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings.”

As we approach our nation’s Thanksgiving holiday, what if we made a concerted effort to focus on gratitude instead of worry? Imagine the difference it could make in our lives and in our interactions with others – be it family, friends, co-workers, or the person at the grocery store paying with a bundle of coupons.

Here are a few examples:

Worry – “I have a meeting tomorrow that is going to be hard and take a lot of my time.”

Blessing – “I am thankful that we have a knowledgeable staff who genuinely cares about our students and collaborates with parents in meaningful ways.”

Worry – “My coworker is getting on my last nerve. She complains all the time.”

Blessing – “I am grateful for the training I’ve received on how to listen, offer empathy, and support others facing challenges in their lives.”

While we are not sure that the song mentioned above was based on scientific proof, we do know that it was based on common sense about attitudes. And thanks to the work taking place today by scientists, like Dr. Summer Allen, from UC Berkely, we now know that gratitude does make a positive impact on our lives. Her article is packed with information. Here are a few points to consider:

• People who are more grateful may be healthier.
• Scientifically designed practices to increase gratitude can also improve people’s health and encourage them to adopt healthier habits.
• Gratitude practices like keeping a gratitude journal or writing a letter of gratitude can increase people’s attitude and overall positive mood.

So here is your challenge. Who are three people who could benefit from receiving a gratitude note from you?

Want to read more about gratitude?  Check out this link to Dr. Allen’s white paper on Gratitude.