Gratitude Makes Us Happy!

I wish Thanksgiving was every day. Not so much because of the turkey, the mash potatoes and the fruit salad, but because it's a day when people express their gratitude.

Like everyone else, I've had some difficult experiences in my life. Of those, there are two that have affected me profoundly. The first was a three-year period of debilitating pain that preceded major back surgery at the age of 20. The second was the loss of our first baby when I was three months pregnant.

Both of these experiences were devastating and frightening. You can imagine, a young college student, active and athletic, on some days unable to even crawl to the bathroom. I was on strong pain medication that didn't take the pain away but made me sick to my stomach pretty much every day. Before entering the operating room for my emergency laminectomy, the surgeon greeted me and expressed amazement at my positive attitude and the smile on my face.

Our first baby was much desired and planned. My life-long dream of being a mom was shattered when I was three months pregnant, and this time there was no smile on my face before entering the operating room for a D&C. The months that followed consisted of many appointments with the doctor and more devastating news. But through it all, just like when I was suffering from a ruptured disc in my back, I was saying "Thank you for this God."

Being grateful, even in these difficult moments, kept me positive and hopeful. I was able to remain happy because even on days when I fell to my knees and cried, my gratitude gave me the strength to stand up and the ability to see that though it was awful and painful, my experience was a blessing.

Every morning when I wake I thank God for each blessing I have. Throughout the day, I look around and feel so grateful for the little things -- clean clothes, a pair of earrings, toothpaste, a quiet neighborhood, and for the big things -- food, clean water, a loving husband, two healthy children, my mom, my life. And at night, when I close my eyes I give thanks again -- for the day's triumphs and mistakes, for my warm blankets, and for little toys, found hidden under my pillow or in my bed.

When my children cry without true reason, when they are in a bad mood and whiny or just complaining, I sit with them and make them list what they are grateful for. They always start reluctantly, but after naming a few things and people, a smile always creeps onto their face and soon their attitude changes because giving thanks helps us see all the blessings we have. Especially for a young child, it may be difficult to realize they have arms to hug, legs and feet to walk, ears to listen and learn, eyes to see, a mom and dad who love and take care of them. But by asking them every day what they're grateful for and sharing with them what I'm grateful for, my children learn to be grateful for every little thing. The most difficult thing to teach them is that even those bad, sad, frustrating and hurtful moments are a blessing. But I know that will come with life experience.

The research shows it -- gratitude leads to happiness. People who show gratitude are healthier and more satisfied. We'd be a much healthier, happier nation if we made every day a day of thanksgiving.

So even when Thanksgiving day has passed and all the turkey sandwiches are gone, keep on giving thanks -- you'll be grateful in the end.