“Gratitude is not only the greatest of the virtues but the parent of all others.” Cicero
Gratitude is a powerful tool. There is good evidence that being grateful leads to a greater sense of well-being and less stress. Practicing gratitude on a regular basis can be as simple as “counting your blessings” every morning, or listing things you are grateful for on your scut list, in a journal,or on your smart phone. Another useful practice is to write letters (to send or not) to your parents, teachers, friends or mentors to thank them. If you aren’t convinced that practicing gratitude can have a profound effect on your well-being, take the “2 minute challenge”. Get a piece of paper and for two minutes write down everything thing you are grateful for. Don’t lift the pen off the paper and keep writing (non-stop) for the entire two minutes.
Today, as I am spending time with family and friends, making our Thanksgiving feast and counting our blessings, I am reminded that all over the United States, there are physicians, residents, nurses, therapists, and support personnel who are spending this holiday taking care of patients. Along with the patients and families in their care, I am thankful for their sacrifice and their compassion. It is a blessing to have the skills and the heart to care for others, and we are grateful for that privilege .
“If the only prayer you say in your whole life is “thank you,” that would suffice.” Meister Eckhart
