one thing - a life changer
If you could do one thing guaranteed to enhance your quality of life significantly, would you do it?
If your answer is “Yes,” please continue reading.
In 2003, Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough conducted a ground-breaking study upon which mountains of research have been built. Emmons and McCullough wanted to determine if a consistent “count your blessings” approach to life versus a “count your burdens” perspective affected one’s psychological and physical well-being. They arrived at conclusions after conducting three separate studies on the subject. Here are their results:
“Study 1 involved a group of around 200 undergraduate students, split into one gratitude group, one “hassles” group, and one neutral control group. The gratitude group received instructions to think back over their past week and write down up to five things they were grateful for in their life. The hassles group was instructed to write down up to five hassles or irritants they had experienced over the past week. The control group indicated up to five events that had an impact on them over the last week.
The students completed these “weekly reports” for 10 weeks, along with items assessing wellbeing, physical symptoms, reactions to aid or help-giving, and appraisals of their overall state. Results from this study showed that participants in the gratitude group felt better about their life on the whole, more optimistic about the upcoming week, and reported fewer physical complaints than participants in the other groups.” (12 April 2017 by Courtney E. Ackerman, MA.
In Study 2, the first two groups were given instructions to determine their daily focus on gratitude versus hassles, but the third group was to concentrate and write about ways they were better off than others. The results were that the gratitude groups were psychologically more content and intellectually sharp than the burden group. Notably, the positive group reported better social behavior.
Study 3 employed the help of a group of adults with neuromuscular diseases. Each day the group completed a questionnaire of twenty-one daily experience ratings. Once again, the blessings group reported a higher sense of well-being and significantly better sleep hours.
In her article about gratitude, Ackerman concluded, “If you remember anything about this article, remember this: Emmons and McCullough (2003) showed that counting your blessings seems to be a much more effective way of enhancing your quality of life than counting your burdens.
One singular practice will significantly improve your life. Practice daily gratitude, and your life and contentment level will increase.
Scientific research has also reached the same conclusion. A blog post on Brain Balance reveals the results.
“Scientists conducted a study in 2008 to measure the brain activity of people thinking and feeling gratitude. What they found was "that gratitude causes synchronized activation in multiple brain regions, and lights up parts of the brain’s reward pathways and the hypothalamus. In short, gratitude can boost neurotransmitter serotonin and activate the brain stem to produce dopamine." Dopamine is our brain's pleasure chemical. The more we think positive, grateful thoughts, the healthier and happier we feel.”
Perhaps you are saying, “Yea, Hamilton, but you don’t know the troubles I am presently experiencing! You’re living the easy life these days.” I get it; we all endure seasons of pain and hardship as well as fruitful, restful days. But it is when the storm is howling around us that the “blessings practice” is most important.
One of the most uplifting Bible books is Philippians, written by the Apostle Paul. In this short letter, the imprisoned Apostle urges his readers to “rejoice” at least six times. In his very first paragraph, Paul also expresses thankfulness to God for his friendship with the believers in Philippi. When the great man wrote this letter, he was confined in a Roman prison, chained to an Imperial guard.
This Apostle was the ultimate “doer,” a person of action who had traveled much of the known world, telling people about God’s love through Jesus and starting many new churches. Incarcerating him was like locking up a wild lion in a cage. Paul had already endured many acts of violence, such as being flogged numerous times, shipwrecked several times, stoned, and beaten with rods, but he pressed on to complete his mission each time.
So, the astute writer sits down one day and writes a letter to a group of people he loved dearly but were being persecuted. I see him thinking, “I will tell my friends the secret of walking through tough times without becoming despondent. I will remind them that no matter what happens, thank God, and rejoice. Gratitude can help you through anything life throws at you.”
The story gets more interesting when he reveals that he is chained to members of the elite Praetorian Guard, the personal cohorts of the emperor. These men were held in high esteem and wielded much power. However, it turns out that Paul wasn’t chained to the guard; the guard was chained to Paul! This proximity gave the gospel preacher hours and hours to talk about life and, of course, Jesus. As a result of his situation, dozens of influential people became believers. Since telling people about Jesus was Paul’s highest calling, how could he focus on his problems when those very difficulties afforded him a tremendous opportunity.
Even in prison, this man focused on blessings rather than burdens, and it made all the difference for him. He finally concludes that he has learned the secret of contentment in any and every situation – gratitude.
We can do the same, making thankfulness a daily practice. No matter what your situation, there are blessings to be found by those who seek them out and recognize them as such.
I am grateful we live in a country where one of the most popular national holidays centers around gratitude; plus, what other time can you consume 3,000 calories and still feel good about it? All while watching the Detroit Lions endure their yearly Thanksgiving thrashing.
If you have not already, make this Thanksgiving the start of a new spirit of daily thanksgiving. Many people find a thankfulness journal a valuable tool, writing down their received blessings every day.
The old hymn is good advice.
1 When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done
Refrain:
Count your blessings; name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings; name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
2 Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]
3 When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. [Refrain]
4 So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. [Refrain]
(Johnson Oatman, 1897)
Enjoy a blessing-filled Thanksgiving!
Live Inspired!
Don Mark
This coming Monday, November 28th, is cyber-Monday. If you are looking for inspiring gifts, please check out my online Live Inspired store. Our new items will be posted by mid-day on Monday.
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