Gratitude

We’ve all met that one older woman or man that is so joyful and seems to have the spirit of a 25 year old. The patients I’ve met that have that spirit ALL embody gratitude. They’re thankful for another day, thankful for your help, thankful to God, thankful ,thankful ,thankful.

Patients have shown gratitude for being able to take a step when they’ve been wheelchair bound for months.  They’ve expressed gratefulness that their heart surgery went well so they avoided having to be fitted for a pacemaker. Some are just thankful that someone is there to listen to them.

The question for myself has been why don’t I show more gratitude? If a patient can be grateful to be able to see their family, can’t I be grateful for all my loved ones? If a patient is grateful for a new walker, can’t I be grateful for the use of my limbs and the ability to take care of myself?  If a patient can be grateful that I spent time listening to them, can’t I be grateful they allowed me to work with them?

Gratitude has been shown to have a powerful impact on mood and overall mental well-being. Practicing gratitude can help shift your focus from negative thoughts and feelings to positive ones, leading to a more optimistic outlook on life. Research suggests that regularly expressing gratitude can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, while promoting feelings of happiness, contentment, and overall life satisfaction.


Incorporating gratitude into daily life can be a powerful tool in promoting overall well-being and supporting a good life. Gratitude seems like good medicine for us all.

Give thanks in all circumstances ~
1 Thessalonians 5:18