Gratitude Journal

Both scientific and spiritual resources indicate that keeping a gratitude journal is a useful tool for personal growth. A daily commitment to this practice can enhance one's life immeasurablely.
To begin, choose a journal and writing instrument with care as they are reflective of your commitment.
Next set aside time at the end of your day to write down at least 5 things you were grateful for during the day, nothing else. Just jot down what comes to mind. At the begining this journaling practice may seem a bit awkward but with time you will see many fruits in your life.

Your Gratitude Journal : www.simpleabundance.com

Ritualizing the Practice of Gratitude

Ritualizing gratitude in our daily life instills a sense of thanksgiving to God. It is a reminder not to take people or things for granted. In the Talmud a Rabbi instructs us to recite one hundred blessings thoughout the day. Indeed there is in Judaism a blessing for almost everything. Blessings are divided into two types: those that respond to awe, and those that seek to stimulate awe within us. Blessings that respond to awe are experieces such as the birth of a child. Those blessings that seek to arouse awe within us spring from every day routines such as blessing our food before eating which reminds us of God's presence in the mundane.



Today as you end each activity pause in gratitude for God's presence in the ordinary and not so ordinary things of your day.


Book Excerpt: Jewish Ritual, by Kerry M. Olitsky, Daniel Judson

Gratitude,the Scientific Data

Gratitude is a concept usually associated with religion and spirituality rather than psychology. Emmons and McCullough at the University of CAL Davis have been engaging in scienctifc research designed to create a body of data on gratitude. They found that grateful people were happier and reported positive states of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, attentiveness and energy. The researchers report that those individuals who kept a weekly gratitude journal exercised more regularly, reported fewer illnesses, and felt better about their lives as a whole. Grateful people are more likely to help others and are more empathic, maybe because they felt more connected to others. Those who engaged in religious practices such as prayer, religious reading or worship were more grateful. Finally grateful individuals placed less importance on accumulating wealth and were more likely to share their possessions with others.

It seems like there is truth and wisdom in the adage that urges us, 'to count our blessings'.

What are you grateful for today?

At this moment I am personally grateful for ---
--- the beautiful sunny yet cool autumn day
--- a friend who sent a funny card, 'just because'
--- clients who allow me to journey with them

"The Road To Resilience"

A resilient person is someone who adapts well in the face of difficulty or even significant stress.
This trait is common. It consists of learned behaviors, thoughts and actions. What are some ways you can develop resilience, an invaluable assest. Where can you find resources to help you develop this skill? Read the article that is linked below to begin your quest.


APA Help Center - Featured Topics - "The Road To Resilience"

Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap - MayoClinic.com

About twice as many women as men experience depression. There are biological factors and psychosocial and cultural issues unique to women that put them at risk for anxiety or mood disorders. The good news is found in the effective treatments that are available. Click on the link below for an informative article from the Mayo Clinic.


Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap - MayoClinic.com

In the news on Sun.10/14, Stories of Depression

On a CBS morning show today, one story featured MaryLou Retton the figure skater who won gold medals in the Olympics in the 1980's. She related her struggles with depression and her family history of the illness. Behind her smile that she displayed for the public was a sad, at times dependent individual. No amount of fame or fortune could ease the symptoms of depression she felt. Only with talk therapy and medication is she able to manage her depression,

In today's Washington Post was an article, "Depression Reported by 7% of Workforce". The article reported that people who tend to the elderly, care for children and serve food and drinks have the highest. rates of depression among U.S. workers. Women were more likely than men to have had a major bout of depression, and younger workers had higher rates of depression than their older collogues. For the unemployed the depression rate is 12%.

NIMH · Stories of Depression Does This Sound Like You · Brenda’s story:

NIMH · Men and Depression · Men and Depression

October is "National Depression Screening Month". During the month this blog will look at various aspects of depresson and how this illness may affect you or someone you love. Click on the link for an informational article on how depression affects men differently than women.

NIMH · Men and Depression · Men and Depression