The Power of Thanks

If I awaken cranky, and say thanks for the good in my life, it changes the nature of my day. Have you ever experienced that? Thanks touches the spirit of others and yours, too - when it burbles up from the heart.

Others say it so well...

Psalms of the Bible: "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound."

G. K. Chesterton: "I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."

Tecumseh Shawnee Chief: "When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself."

Dale Carnegie: "Try leaving a friendly trail of little sparks of gratitude on your daily trips. You will be surprised how they will set small flames of friendship that will be rose beacons on your next visit."

Pam Thomas reviewed Deborah Norville's book, Thank You Power. Saying thanks improves your thought process, reduces stress and increases your daily happiness. Here are Deborah's nuggets...

1) Being thankful for the things you already have helps you to positively manifest more of the good stuff.

2) Counting your blessings helps to shift your attitude and raise your energy level.

3) There is always good in every situation, even the bad situations. Look for the good, as there is an awesome learning experience to be had.

4) Being kind to others definitely has a boomerang effect.

5) Doing something nice for another helps to raise your self confidence and how you feel about you.

21 Day Challenge I enjoyed Pam's challenge for the next 21 days to say thank you for at least five things in your life before your feet hit the floor and each night before your head hits the pillow. Then make note of what happens.

Thanks brings well-being to your day... since it brings more serotonin, a brain hormone of well-being. By saying thanks, you can not only launch a better day, but boost your brainpower, too.

Writing a letter of thanks makes a powerful difference. University of Michigan Professor, Chris Peterson, assigns students in his class to detail the kindnesses of someone they've never properly thanked.

"Read this letter aloud to the person you're thanking," Peterson says, "and you'll see measurable improvements in your mood." Studies show that for a full month after a "gratitude visit" (in which a person makes an appointment to read the letter to the recipient), happiness levels tend to go up, while boredom and other negative feelings go down.

Joanna Young, thank you for the challenge of writing with power.

Brad Shorr, thanks for your kind gift to me because I was the 1000th commenter on your blog, Word Sell.

Folks, I'd enjoy hearing how thanks touched your life during a work day...