Methodist Healthcare - Employee Assistance Program

Gratitude is Good for You

Thanksgiving is a time when many of us gather with family and friends to reflect and give thanks for our blessings. The simple act of gratitude doesn’t cost much but it has significant benefits. Research suggests that grateful people are more likely to have higher levels of happiness and lower levels of stress and depression. Gratitude is said to have one of the strongest links with mental health of any character trait.

Have you ever thought about being thankful for the challenges in your life? Sounds strange, I know, but we learn to develop healthy coping skills and a greater appreciation for simple things as we manage challenges.

The following prayer incorporates these thoughts and helps put the challenges and blessings in perspective:

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.
~Author Unknown~

The experienced counselors at Methodist Healthcare EAP are here to help if you would like to talk about turning your challenges into opportunities. Call 901.683.5658 to schedule an appointment today.

Author: Karole Shorter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of counseling experience. She received her Masters in Social Work from Florida State University in 1999. She has been a counselor at Methodist Healthcare EAP for five years.