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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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Reflection: On Body Positivity and Gratitude

In a world that often encourages us to focus on perceived flaws, it’s easy to fall into the trap of critiquing our own appearance. We begin the day by zeroing in on the areas we’d like to change, whether it’s our waistline, the fine lines on our face, or those little imperfections we wish could disappear. However, what if we shifted our mindset? Instead of starting the day with self-criticism, let’s begin with gratitude for our bodies. Every day, our bodies do incredible things—things we often take for granted, like moving, breathing, and healing. This November, let’s choose to celebrate the strength, mobility, and resilience that we often overlook, acknowledging the everyday blessings of our health and fitness. Whether it’s walking, playing, or simply feeling the sensation of touch, let’s take a moment to appreciate what our bodies do for us. After all, a positive body mindset starts with recognizing our worth, just as we are.

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