November is here, and with Thanksgiving just around the corner, we’re kicking off a new Wellness Wednesday series focused on The Power of Gratitude.
On my 48th birthday, I had planned to do something a little different. I wanted to write down 48 things I was thankful for, one for every year of my life.
But I avoided it.
Now that November has arrived, I decided it was time to get back to that list.
Finding Gratitude in Unexpected Places
Some things came easily. My salvation, my family, my friends, and the wonderful people God has placed in my life.
Others were things I hadn’t really stopped to appreciate before. The little moments, everyday blessings, and opportunities we sometimes overlook because we’re so busy with life.
And some were more difficult.
As many of you know, I lost my wife, Lori, earlier this year. One of the things I’m most thankful for is having had the privilege of caring for her until the very end.
That might seem like an unusual thing to include on a gratitude list. But gratitude isn’t always about celebrating the easy or happy moments.
Sometimes it’s about recognizing the value of something even when it comes with tremendous difficulty.
Gratitude Doesn’t Mean Life Is Perfect
We sometimes think being thankful means being happy with everything happening in our lives.
But that’s not how life works.
We all experience disappointment, pain, loss, and uncertainty. Being grateful doesn’t make those things disappear, and it certainly doesn’t mean we have to pretend they don’t hurt.
Gratitude is about recognizing that even when life is difficult, there are still good things worth appreciating.
When I finally sat down to write my list, something interesting happened.
The more I thought about what I was thankful for, the more things I found.
Sometimes we just need to take the time to look.
Can Gratitude Actually Improve Your Health?
There’s growing research suggesting that regularly practicing gratitude may benefit our emotional and physical well-being.
Studies have linked gratitude practices with improvements in mood, perceived stress, and, in some cases, sleep quality.
Of course, writing a gratitude list isn’t going to cure an illness, eliminate chronic pain, or solve every problem in your life.
But learning to recognize the positive things around us can be one helpful part of taking care of our overall well-being.
And that’s what wellness is really about. It’s not just addressing problems when they arise. It’s developing habits that help us live healthier, more meaningful lives.
Your Challenge: Start With Five
I’m not asking you to write 48 things you’re thankful for. Although, if you want to give it a try, I’d encourage you to!
Instead, start with five.
Find a quiet moment this week, grab a piece of paper, and write down five things you’re genuinely grateful for.
They don’t have to be profound.
Maybe it’s someone who made you laugh, a beautiful sunrise, a friend who checked in on you, or simply the ability to get out of bed and enjoy another day.
And don’t just think about those things. Actually write them down.
You might be surprised by what you discover.
Throughout November, we’ll continue exploring gratitude, how it affects our health, and how we can put it into practice in our everyday lives.
And remember, there’s always something to be thankful for!
EXPLORE OUR HEALTH TOPICS
- BUSY LIFE, BETTER BALANCE
- BUILT FOR REAL LIFE
- TAKE BACK YOUR LIFE
- SUMMER SHOULDN’T HURT
- GUESS WHO’S BACK?
- SPRING TRAINING FOR YOUR HEALTH
- REMOVE TO RESTORE
- PATH TO HEALTH
- PAIN-FREE HOLIDAYS
- THANKFUL NOT TANKFUL
- SNEAKY SPOOKY SUBLUXATIONS
- EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE STRONG, NOBODY WANTS TO BE SORE
- BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO HEALTH
- HEALTH IN THE CHAOS
- REAL NUTRITION FOR REAL LIFE
- GET REAL ABOUT HEALTH – YOUR CHOICES, YOUR RESULTS
- THE TRUTH ABOUT SEED OILS
- A 30,000-Foot Overview
- From Industrial Lubricant to Dinner Plate – The Shocking History of Seed Oils
- The Inflammation Epidemic – How Seed Oils Fuel Chronic Disease
- Ditch the Seed Oils – The Best Fats for a Healthier Life
- The Hidden Sources of Seed Oils & How to Avoid Them
- The Skin – Your Third Kidney & the Seed Oil Danger in Skincare
- LIFESPAN vs. HEALTHSPAN
- SLEEP SECRETS
- METHYLENE BLUE
- HEALING NEUROPATHY NATURALLY
- THE HEART BEHIND THE HEALING
- FOOD MYTHS BUSTED: WHAT’S REALLY MAKING US SICK?
- FALL WELLNESS
- STAYING HEALTHY DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR
- LOW BACK PAIN
- RECHARGE
- GUT HEALTH
- Unlocking Gut Health: Recognizing Symptoms & Finding Solutions
- Revitalize Your Gut Health: A Guide to Wellness
- Combatting Candida: Your Guide to Gut Health
- Understanding Gluten: The Silent Intestinal Invader
- Uncover Hidden Parasites and Transform Health
- Discover the Hidden Culprits Behind Your Gut Health Issues
- Inflammation: The Hidden Cause of Chronic Health Conditions
- FAITH
- VITAMIN D3
- CHRONIC KNEE/JOINT PAIN
- SLEEP
- LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY
- NEUROPATHY
- VAGUS NERVE
- OOLA GOALS
- WEIGHT LOSS
- CANCER PREVENTION
- GETTING COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE
- Challenging Yourself Can Boost Your Immune System
- Discover the amazing health benefits of sweating in an infrared sauna!
- The health benefits of cold plunge therapy
- The Power of Pause: Unveiling the Health Benefits of Fasting
- Embracing Temporary Soreness: The Normal Response to Chiropractic Adjustments
- MIGRAINES
- NEUROPATHY
- LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY VS. OPIOIDS
- METABOLIC DISEASE
- ALLERGIES
- POSTURE
- MATTRESS
- BUSY MOMS SURVIVAL SERIES
- THE GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION
- FAT MELTING SERIES – LIFESTYLE CHANGES
- FAT MELTING SERIES – ZERONA BODY SCULPTING LASERS
- LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY SERIES – PAIN LASERS
- RAISING HEALTHY KIDS NATURALLY SERIES
- DURING PREGNANCY SERIES
CONNECT WITH US
Ready to embark on your wellness journey? Contact Atkinson Family Chiropractic for personalized guidance and expert chiropractic care. Serving Denver, Stanley, Iron Station, Maiden, Sherrills Ford, Lincolnton, and the Western LKN area.