Over the past decade science has identified the great social, psychological, and physical health benefits that come from giving thanks.
No longer just a thing we remind ourselves to do at Thanksgiving, gratitude is now a tool for reminding ourselves of the things in our lives that we are lucky to enjoy.
family ⋅ friends ⋅ mother nature ⋅ pets ⋅ a roof over our head ⋅plenty to eat
Yes, sometimes appreciation seems a reach when bad things happen, but overall I’ve experienced a certain amount of balance and comfort when you can stop the stress long enough to realize that even though the water heater broke, your car needs a new transmission or a loved one is diagnosed with a health issue, your life overall is blessed and will go on. This may seem very Pollyanna like, but it works for most who practice the habit.
So as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, and the soon to follow Christmas season, try to remind yourself every day over the next 30 days how much you have to be thankful for. It will be a healthy habit after 30 days, and we can all use a little good health and comfort this time of year, not to mention throughout the year.
If you’re interested in reading more about the benefits of gratitude, whether you create a mental list or keep a journal, there are some great tips on making happiness a staple in your life here.
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Since this is a blog sit, not Lucy’s stand for counseling (remember Charlie Brown?), I want to share with you some images that make me smile. I hope you and yours have lots of reasons to be thankful not only this holiday but throughout the year.
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The happiest lives belong to those who own the happiest days. There are the gilded days – weddings and births, Christmas and holidays – that take their rightful places on pedestals in our memories. But if we can manage to find beauty and happiness in the midst of the everyday, then we are truly fortunate indeed.
~written and published by Pamela of From The House Of Edward
Garden, Home & Party 
beggingforattention said:
agreed!
here in england i am reminded that even more having experienced armistice day and listened to stories. ever so grateful my family has not been touched by such hardships and puts life’s little annoyances in perspective.
while being grateful…….i am grateful for YOU
xo
debra
Karen B. said:
Travel is so much more enriching than just sightseeing and enjoying the relaxation associated with it, isn’t it? Perspective really helps all of us realize how lucky we are. I’m grateful for you too, my sweet friend! xo, Karen
On Wed, Nov 19, 2014 at 7:38 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Leslie @Pretty Petals said:
Good Morning Karen! Such pretty images .. and yes, being grateful.. We forget how quickly things can change or loved ones can be taken from us. As I have allowed myself to become totally taken up in this house building project, I must remind myself that this is a first world problem.. many don’t even have a roof over their heads.
Hope you are having a nice week!
Leslie @Pretty Petals said:
Good Morning Karen! Beautiful images 🙂 ..so true that we often forget what’s really important in life. We also forget how quickly those we love can be taken from us. Women complain about their age spots yet they should feel fortunate to have made it to a certain age, right? With the stress of this house project I need to remind myself that this is a first world problem and I’m lucky to have a roof over my head (ha, well there was a time when there was just a tarp.. 😉
Hope you are enjoying your week! xxleslie
Karen B. said:
Leslie,
I think we’ve all had that kind of thing happen. I’m really going to try to focus on the here and now this year and next. In the short time I’ve been working on this practive I find I’m able to stay calm in situations that this Type A personality wouldn’t have achieved in the past! 🙂
xo,
Karen
Vicki said:
Well said, Karen. I like the reminder images you chose, especially the dog on the presumably warm laundry. Good reminder to be grateful for the little things.
Karen B. said:
Vicki, I hope it didn’t sound too preachy…yes, that our Madison who never misses an opportunity to lay on warm laundry. xo, Karen
On Wed, Nov 19, 2014 at 9:07 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Chronica Domus said:
Beautifuly stated Karen! Giving thanks and being grateful for your lot in life is indeed a healthy practice to partake in. It is like stopping to smell the roses.
I wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving next week. I’m sure you’ll be preparing a wonderful meal for them as you give thanks.
Karen B. said:
CD, Our youngest son and sweet daughter-in-law are hosting Thanksgiving, one more thing to be grateful for! 🙂 I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving as well. xo, Karen
On Wed, Nov 19, 2014 at 12:23 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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D'Arcy H said:
Karen, you’re so right, we each have much to be grateful for every day. I love that engraved pumpkin–if we grow them again, I’ll try that!
I hope you have a relaxing and fun Thanksgiving holiday with your family! –D’Arcy
Karen B. said:
D’Arcy, You too! I can’t believe how this year has swept by. I’m determined to slow down and enjoy what’s left of it. 🙂 I hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving as well. I’m thankful for my blog friends! 🙂 Karen
On Wed, Nov 19, 2014 at 5:28 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Dawn said:
It’s so true, Karen! I have been focusing on ‘blessings’ as my ‘One Little Word’ for this year. Counting my blessings out loud every day has been so gratifying! Sending Thanksgiving blessings to you and your family! ♡
Karen B. said:
Dawn, I’ll have to go back and read your post on ‘one little word’. I list things I’m grateful for in my brain most days since I find it challenging to remember to sit down and write out a “grateful for…” sentence each day. Maybe that should be a NY goal. 🙂 Have a very happy and delicious Thanksgiving. Karen
On Wed, Nov 19, 2014 at 7:03 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Tone on Tone Loi Thai said:
Yes, indeed! Thanks for sharing all your beautiful posts. And for being such a great friend of my little blog 🙂 Karen, have a wonderful, warm and safe Thanksgiving ahead! Cheers
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Loi. You too. Are you and Tom heading to Castain for Thanksgivin?. I hope you stay safe and warm. Parts of the East are really getting slammed with adverse weather. I’ll hold good thoughts for those in affected areas. xo, Karen
On Thu, Nov 20, 2014 at 9:07 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Linda Coble said:
Karen,
Wonderful post! The picture of the forest reminded me of the view outside my home and it made me truly grateful. I also loved the quote on finding beauty and happiness in the midst of everyday. We should all take that to heart.
Karen B. said:
Linda, Thanks for your sweet comment. I agree, the forest reminds me of your forest…lucky you. xo, Karen P.S. I’m so thankful for your friendship this past 40+ years…we met when we were 10 years old, right?
On Thu, Nov 20, 2014 at 2:44 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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TheFullerView said:
Well said. And BTW Polyanna is a go-to staple in our house when the world seems heavy. The “Glad Game” should never be underestimated.
Karen B. said:
David, I’m happy someone appreciated the reference.
🙂
I’m so flattered you stopped by, thank you. I hope you and yours have a lovely Thanksgiving.
Karen
Simply Suzannes at Home said:
Beautiful post, Karen. Simply, beautiful!
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Suzanne
Karen B. said:
Suzanne, You too, I’ve been loving some of your tablescape ideas for the season. I confess, I’m really getting excited for Christmas and all that month entails. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Karen
On Fri, Nov 21, 2014 at 6:18 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Shirley said:
Very well said. Be thankful everyday.
Karen B. said:
Hi Shirley, I truly try to remember to do just that. Sometimes it’s more of a challenge, which is when I need a reminder. Thank you for stopping by. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. xo, Karen
On Sat, Nov 22, 2014 at 6:21 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Jayne on Weed Street said:
Wonderful words to focus on as we head into a very busy season where it is easy to lose sight of all we have to be grateful for, so thank you Karen!!
Karen B. said:
Jayne, So true. I look forward this the season but try to remind myself to slow down and enjoy, rather than steam roll into the season without taking time to be in the moment. It’s hard sometimes. 🙂 I wish you a joyous Thanksgiving and am thankful to have found your lovely site. xo, Karen
On Sat, Nov 22, 2014 at 12:14 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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eresa @ Splendid Sass said:
Karen-
I stop everyday to think about all I am thankful for. After all, I can’t ask for anything until I give thanks for what I have.
I agree with you on the fact that no matter what, we have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for this gorgeous post.
Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Teresa
xoxo
Karen B. said:
Teresa,
I’m so happy you and I share this understanding of gratitude…I knew I liked you! Thank you for your kind compliments and for always being so generous with your comments.
I wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving.
xo,
Karen
kristywharvey said:
Hi, Karen! Maybe I’m Pollyanna too, but I think gratitude changes everything. Thanks for the reminder. I’m so thankful for your friendship and your beautiful, inspirational blog!
xo Kristy
Karen B. said:
A kindred Pollyanna, I knew it! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Nov 26, 2014 at 9:14 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Ricki Jill Treleaven said:
What a lovely post! I am so grateful for how God has blessed us, and showing gratitude is so important….did you know that the happiest people are the ones who express gratitude! Yep! It makes you happier!!!
xo,
RJ
Karen B. said:
Thanks Ricki Jill, I remember Gretchen Rubin’s rules for happiness and one that resonated with me was to act like you want to feel. If bad things happen, attempt a smile anyway, it’s been proven your brain will follow your actions. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Tue, Dec 2, 2014 at 7:38 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Gretchen said:
Karen, you outdid yourself on this post, absolutely beautiful and inspiring! I’ve always admired your positive attitude about life in general. I think you live the message of this post.
Karen B. said:
Gretchen, Thank you so much! You know how much I appreciate your support and friendship. It’s easier to be a positive person with the warmth and friendship of friends and family like you! xo, Karen
On Mon, Dec 8, 2014 at 7:57 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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