Start Each Day with a Grateful Heart

If you have been in my treatment room, you may recognize this title of this blog. It hangs on my wall, as a gentle reminder to me to lean into being thankful and mindful of all I have to be happy about.

As we begin this holiday season I wanted to take a moment to express my thanks and dive into why daily gratitude (not just on Thanksgiving) is so important. Being grateful brings conscious awareness to the good things in your life.  It is a way to take notice and appreciate what we have, rather than focusing on what is irritating or disappointing. Let me begin by offering gratitude to the many people whom I feel humbled by each day.

I want to begin with family.  I am so grateful for my loving family. I am blessed to have aunts, uncles, cousins who continue to be a part of my life. Despite not seeing them often, the time we do have together is always cherished. I am thankful for my parents, who are always supportive, loving and present.  I am so grateful to my wonderful husband whom I could go on forever about. And me three wonderful children who continue to grow and inspire me.

I am so thankful for my wonderful friends, who bring laughter, love, cheer and emotion to my life.  I would not be who I am today without the influence of all of you!  I am grateful to my co-workers who are tremendous women.  You are compassionate, kind and genuinely and deeply care for every client we see.  I could not ask for more passionate exemplary people to spend my days with.  I am thankful for every patient I have ever treated,  I learn more from you than from any text book or research article.  I learn to be humble, to listen and to believe.

Gratitude is well studied.  People who exercise regular thankfulness are more optimistic and feel better about their lives.  People who focus on gratitude exercise more, have fewer doctor visits, and show higher scores on happiness measures than those who do not.  These benefits bring lasting effects.  Other studies have examined how being grateful improves relationships.  Taking the time to thank the people around you makes them feel better about themselves. It isn’t just about you – it’s a benefit to all who you encounter. That is the beauty of its reach.

To all who read this blog: THANK YOU!  I appreciate your time and consideration.  As you come into this week of Thanksgiving, bring with you a notion of gratitude with you and carry it into the coming new year.  It will bring lasting improvement to your mood and health, and will lift up those around you.

Sarah Dominguez PT, MSPT, CLT, WCS