Thank Therapy … A Habit for a Healthy & Successful Life

This season is one of my favorites as we slow down and put intentional focus on a mindset that often eludes us … gratitude.  Our culture and our own ambitions often drive us to want more – not only for ourselves but for our families, friends, co-workers, etc.  As an employee for Procter & Gamble for 30+ years, I’ve learned how important it is to create products that are irresistibly superior and then advertise them in a way that causes people to go out and buy them.  This drive for more and better can be a positive force in our lives and society but it can easily lead to discontentment, frustration, and if we are honest envy.

There are moments in life when we are reminded how much we have to be thankful.  I had one of these a week ago when I spent a few days on the island of Puerto Rico.  The island was devastated by Hurricane Maria and progress is slow.  Seeing the circumstances people are living in gave me a fresh awareness of how easily I take for granted the availability of fresh water, a roof over my head, electricity and yes, even the internet.  Despite all the hardships, it was so encouraging to hear stories of people coming together to support and care for each other.  It is times like these that remind us how blessed we are not by the conveniences or things we have but by the core, essential things such as God’s love, family and friendships.

Paul challenges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to always have joy, to always pray and to always give thanks regardless of our circumstances.  In the Greek, the words grace, gratitude and joy all have the same root, char.  Char is a word that has to do with health and well-being.  God wants the best for us and commands us to embrace grace, gratitude and joy in all things because He knows what we often forget … these are good for us!  Notice that we are told to be give thanks IN our circumstances not FOR our circumstances.  Thankfulness transcends the challenging times we may find ourselves.

This Thanksgiving let’s start the habit of practicing “Thank Therapy“.  Create a list of the “Twenty Reasons Why I’m Thankful.”  Encourage others to do the same and share them with each other.  When you find yourself starting to complain and grumble go back to your list.  Building a habit of “Thank Therapy” might be the best gift you can give yourself and those you love and work with this holiday season.

Article By: Steve Greer

Chief Operating Officer, Genesis Counseling Center