Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Of course, giving thanks is an integral part of Thanksgiving. We know Thanksgiving Day is coming soon, but it will be over soon. However, we can give thanks all year, even as chronically ill people.
How? Our lives are hard and disappointing. Let’s focus on what we still have, not what we’ve lost. Today, let’s look for good things in other areas, too.
I’ll go first
Back in August, I shared about the horrible results of my MRI/MRA. After several more tests and seeing various doctors, I was able to see the top interventional radiologist in my city. He told me the completely occluded transverse sinus vein in my head was not a problem! He also said if the vein was narrowed, that would be terrible. My brain will function fine as long as the blood flow in the vein on the other side continues working. What a relief! What a cause for giving thanks!
Did anything happen recently in your life for which you are thankful?
Giving thanks as a chronically ill person may seem difficult, or even impossible. But research shows that expressing gratitude improves our health physically, emotionally, and socially. So, let’s give our health the best chance by thinking of things in our lives right now for which we can give thanks.
And now it’s your turn.
Why should you look for reasons to give thanks? Examine these lists of benefits and see which ones apply to you.
Physical symptoms
Gratitude could aid you in …
- Being healthier overall
- Lowering your blood pressure
- Having stronger immune systems
- Recovering faster from illness
- Experiencing fewer troubling aches and pains
Emotional state
Looking around for reasons to be thankful might help you have more …
- Joy
- Happiness
- Energy
- Alertness and awareness
- Optimism and positivity
Social life
Giving thanks might help you be more …
- kind
- helpful
- friendly
- positive
- forgiving
- outgoing
- generous
- thoughtful
- compassionate
So …
Now you see that giving thanks as chronically ill people isn’t impossible. And it helps our overall outlook on life to be more positive.
Click the button below to download a printable PDF where you can record things for which you are grateful.
Share Your Thoughts
Will you share a reason for giving thanks in your life so we can rejoice with you?
Investigate Further
Do you need some help in planning for Thanksgiving? Find some ideas in “Thanksgiving – With a Little Help.”
Want some fun at this time of year? Check out this word search puzzle with a Thanksgiving theme.
