Originally published by Lindsay Pollack 21 November 2017
Thanksgiving is just around the corner,and whether your celebration entails a traditional family affair or its contemporary cousin, “Friendsgiving,” your festivity may include the custom of going around the table and sharing what you’re most thankful for.
While health, home, family and friends top many of our lists, I am always intrigued by the smaller graces people share, from the polite motorist who let them in before they missed their exit, to the morning cup of tea their partner has waiting for them every day. It’s often those smallest acts that can mean the most.
Formalize an Attitude of Gratitude: Start a Gratitude Habit
That habit of feeling grateful for the smallest of kindnesses inspired me to start my own thankfulness journey, where at the end of each month, I will be tweeting my thanks to the many people and companies that make my life more fruitful in all kinds of ways.
Of course I love to thank my clients, like @cbiaHC, @TXCapitalBank, @WomenLeadersCS, @pinnbank and @EsteeLauder, who hosted me in October.
But as I think deeper about the many layers that are essential to my daily workday, my gratitude extends beyond my clients. It’s my co-working space, @WorkAtTheYard, that helps my creativity flow. The project management app, @Asana, that keeps my virtual team working together smoothly.
Every day I rely on content providers like @Tdufu, @SarahSladek, @NACEOrg, @Axios, @Freelancersu, @Upwork and @Imperative to help keep me smart on the workplace and everything going on around us.
And of course I can’t do what I do without a trusted airline like @Delta getting me there, and @Lyft ferrying me around…and I wouldn’t want to step on out on the stage without @Bloheartsyou getting my hair ready for close-ups.
My first month of giving thanks felt so good that I can’t wait to keep it up. One amazing byproduct is that I find myself looking for gestures to appreciate since I know that I’ll be sharing them later.
Gratitude Is Good For You
There’s no question that gratitude feels good, but many people are surprised to find out how good it is for you. Research has shown that gratitude can make you more optimistic and improve general life satisfaction.
Saying thank you is also good for your health: Multiple studies cite a laundry list of benefits, from boosting heart health and your immune system to lowering your blood pressure.
And, it’s even good for your career. In one study an overwhelming 93 percent of those surveyed said that grateful bosses were more likely to be successful.
As most of us from all generations, cultures and faiths pause to give thanks in our own way this month, it seemed like the right time to invite you, my readers, to join me on this gratitude journey. I’d love to hear what you’re appreciative for in your life.
