Much has been written about gratitude, defined as a feeling of appreciation for another’s kindness. In her book, The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin details her year-long journey to increase her happiness. It turns out that gratitude increases happiness and emotional wellbeing. While noting that everyone is different, Rubin provides insights and tips based on her own experiences.

If, as according to recent research findings, there are many benefits to practicing gratitude, don’t you think we should consider celebrating Thanksgiving more than just once a year? How about monthly? Or maybe weekly? That just makes plain sense to me!

As I was pondering exactly how gratitude can benefit us, I was thrilled and grateful to find an article written my Amy Morin, a self-described “psychotherapist turned accidental author.”  In “7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round”, Morin explains how practicing gratitude can improve our lives. Below is a brief list of the benefits she mentions but to learn more click the link above.

1. Gratitude opens the door to more relationships.

2. Gratitude improves physical health.

3. Gratitude improves psychological health.

4. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression.

5. Grateful people sleep better.

6. Gratitude improves self-esteem.

7. Gratitude increases mental strength.

There are a lot of resources and guidance out there about how to begin a gratitude practice. You can read all about it in numerous books, listen to podcasts or check out online articles. A lot of them suggest daily journaling with the goal of creating an everyday gratitude ritual. While this doesn’t sound like bad advice it may be daunting for some to find the time and a quiet space to journal every day.  It may be easier for some of us to start slower and tackle a new routine with a friend.  With that said, I’d like to invite you to join Prime Time for Women in community-based gratitude practice.

Starting in January 2025, every Monday for a full year, PTFW will post a gratitude prompt on its Private Facebook Page to which interested members can respond.  The idea is that we may be more likely to participate on a regular basis and establish a gratitude routine if we do it together, especially if by doing so we encourage others. As we always say at Prime Time for Women, “Connections Matter!  We are stronger, healthier and happier together!” If you’d like to attend a virtual Monthly Gratitude Celebration, you can register here.