Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. To live in gratitude means to really feel thankful for the good things in your life and to focus on them more than you focus on the negative.
I recently learned that 25% of today’s workforce has anxiety and that most sick days are related in some way to panic disorders, anxiety, and/or depression. That is horrendous to me. One out of four people are so sad about their life or circumstances that it is making them ill.
My guess is that the statistic is actually low. Many diseases, dis-eases, can be linked to anxiety. Here are just a few health issues related to anxiety: migraines, depression, ulcers, acid reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, chronic fatigue, insomnia, muscle aches, and high blood pressure.
All related to this word anxiety. I tend to think of another word when it comes to anxiety. The word is worry. The word worry comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word meaning “to choke.” We are allowing worry to choke the life out of us. We worry about things that will never happen, things that are out of our control, things that will resolve on their own.
The best way to overcome worry is with gratitude. Every time you start worrying about something. You literally need to say something you are thankful for.
If you are worrying about your relationship with your spouse say, “I am so thankful for my hard-working spouse.” If you are worried about your health, say, “I am so thankful that I am alive and breathing and that I can walk and talk.”
Whatever it is you are worried about combat it with a positive and grateful heart.