Could being grateful extend your life? A Harvard study found that among women ages 69-96, those who reported themselves as most thankful for their lives had a 9% lower all-cause mortality rate than the less grateful,
The study was conducted among older, primarily white nurses. The results were fascinating but not hard-core. However, “Gratitude is powerful,” said co-author Tyler Vander Weele.”
From my experience, expressing or feeling gratitude certainly eases some of the burdens of living in a world torn apart with too much hatred, greed, disasters, political fighting, and a planet at peril.
The good news is that you can unleash the power of gratitude. Try asking and answering these questions:
What happened today that was good?
What am I taking for granted that I can be thankful for?
Which people in my life am I grateful for?
What is the last book I read, movie, show, or social media clip I saw that I appreciated, and why? (Try videos of animals on The Dodo)
What am I most looking forward to this week or month, and why?
What is the kindest thing someone has said or done lately?
Where did I express gratitude or kindness to someone today?
I’d love to know some of your answers! Please write to me at eileen@eileenmcdargh.com. The subject is gratitude! Or share it by leaving a comment below.
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