In 1789, at the conclusion of the American Revolution and the successful ratification of the U.S. Constitution, George Washington issued a Thanksgiving proclamation to express gratitude for the conclusion of the country’s war of independence.
In 1827, Sarah Josepha Hale – author of “Mary Had A Little Lamb” - began a campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. For 36 years she appealed to governors, senators, presidents and other politicians to nationalize this day of thanks.
I find it interesting that two of our presidents issued this day of thanks at the end of one war and at the height of another. It’s easy to get caught up in world affairs, especially with the recent terrorist attacks in Egypt, France, Mali and Lebanon. Washington and Lincoln faced crucial challenges in setting a new course for this country and collapsing into despondency and depression was not an option.
I suffer for the “widows and orphans” escaping their country to find a better, safer life, often dying in the process. However, l lose my effectiveness if I give into anger, despair and vitriolic political opinions. Instead, I’m going to use gratitude as an antidote when I feel overwhelmed by these troubling times.
Gratitude improves physical health: A 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences showed that grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and are more likely to take care of their health, exercise more often, and are more likely to get regular check-ups.
Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression: The University of Kentucky, in 2012, showed that participants who ranked higher on gratitude scales were less likely to retaliate against others, even when given negative feedback. They experienced more sensitivity and empathy toward other people and a decreased desire to seek revenge.
Gratitude increases mental strength: A 2006 study published in Behavior Research and Therapy found that Vietnam War Veterans with higher levels of gratitude experienced lower rates of PTSD. The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that gratitude was a major contributor to resilience following the terrorist attacks on September 11. Recognizing all you have to be thankful for – even during the worst times of your life – fosters resilience.
I wasn’t born with the gratitude gene, but mostly I feel grateful of all in my life. Then there are times, when I feel the weight of the world and all those suffering. At these times, I practice gratitude with resolve. In other words, I fake it ‘til I make it.