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counting blessings

Holiday Vibe Check

Thanksgiving is the season of gratitude, but let’s be real — life doesn’t automatically feel amazing just because it’s the holidays. School might feel like it’s dragging, friendships can get messy, or things might just feel “meh.”

Here’s the thing: even when life isn’t perfect, taking a minute to count your blessings can change your whole perspective. It doesn’t have to be big stuff — think about your favorite song, a friend who always checks in, or a cozy hoodie you love. Noticing the good things, even the little ones, makes your day feel brighter.

And don’t forget — you can be a blessing to someone else too! A simple act of kindness, like a compliment or helping someone out, can make someone’s day. It’s a win-win: you spread positivity and feel more grateful in the process.

So, this Thanksgiving, take a moment to appreciate what’s good in your life and find ways to spread those good vibes. Gratitude isn’t just for the holidays — it’s a game-changer all year round.

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The Gratitude Effect : Discovering the Mental, Emotional, and Physical Benefits of Blessing Counting

A few years ago, I made a life-changing decision: I chose to focus on the positive instead of the negative. That simple shift — choosing gratitude — has profoundly impacted my life and those around me. I learned that it’s impossible to be thankful and negative at the same time because gratitude changes our perspective. It brings joy, optimism, and peace into our hearts, transforming situations for the better.

Expressing thankfulness enhances our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. It strengthens relationships, improves mental health, and can even boost physical health by reducing stress and improving sleep. Most importantly, counting our blessings welcomes God into our lives, grounding us in His promises. As 2 Corinthians 9:8 reminds us, God blesses us abundantly so we can thrive in all things, at all times. When we shift our focus to gratitude, we unlock peace, renewed energy, and strength to stay on the path God has set before us.

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Count Your Blessings: Name Them One by One

Ever felt like life is tossing you around like a leaf in a storm? On those “tempest-tossed” days, it’s easy to lose sight of how far you’ve come and the ways you’ve been lifted along the way. That’s when the old wisdom of “counting your blessings” can shift your perspective. The hymn Count Your Blessings reminds us to pause, reflect, and name the ways God has shown up — providing in moments of need, offering comfort in sorrow, and giving strength for the journey. Gratitude isn’t just positive thinking; it’s a grounding practice that turns discouragement into hope. As you count your blessings, you’ll discover that God’s faithfulness brings peace for today and confidence for tomorrow.

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