“What do you say now?” “Remember the magic words.”
My mom must have said those phrases a thousand times while I was growing up. And I don’t know how many times she checked in to see if I had written my graduation thank you notes.
But in my middle years when life had become really hectic, I actually realized for myself that if I thanked God for 10 simple things every night before I fell asleep, I would awake in a much happier mood the next morning.
Oops!
The other night I fell asleep worrying about a presentation I was asked to give. I wanted to do a good job, but I just couldn’t get it all together. I struggled all night trying to sleep.
I forgot to say thank you.
Now, I’ve never been very good at remembering my dreams, but it’s hard to forget the nightmare of sitting in front of a 100 people in your bright blue flowered bathing suit waiting to give a speech. Not only are you wearing a grey stocking cap with an oversize pom pom on top, but you’re holding a big black bag of trash. As you’re panicking because you can’t remember one word of what you’re going to say, you notice the audience is made up of all your former students. You recognize every one of their smiling – or is it smirking -- faces. Ha!
Well, we all know Life is extremely tough and full of bad dreams sometimes. According to researchers at the University of Berkeley, however, we can cope with those struggles and challenges much better if we’re thankful. I know that seems counterintuitive, but gratitude actually reduces toxic emotions and lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol in our brains. When the brain is full of gratitude — even for simple things — there is no room for anxiety, fear, bitterness or jealousy in that moment.
I guess my mom was right -- thank you IS a magic word.
When I go to bed tonight, I’m definitely going to add YOU to my list of things for which I’m grateful. THANK YOU so much for reading my blog. Pleasant dreams and
Happy Thanksgiving!
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“There’s always something to be thankful for on Thanksgiving. Even if it’s just not being a turkey.” ~ Routinely Nomadic
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery in Washington, DC
WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR TODAY?
What am I grateful for today? Well, for reminding us that the word Thank you is very important and that each of us should use it more often. At the moment, this word does not exist in some people but sooner or later they will have to use it. Thanks to you. Happy thanksgiving from Paris France.
Jan, this was awesome! You do a great job....writing is not for me, but I love to read. Thank you for sharing this from your heart. I look forward to more from you.