by Pennie Sempell, JD ACMT
‘Tis the season of giving and receiving. Indeed, throughout our lives we are giving and receiving in abundance, in small ways and large. If you are reading this article, you and your family have much to be thankful for, for you are among only 1% of our planet’s people who have a computer, and among only 30% who can read. More startling, 80% of our brothers and sisters live in poor living conditions.
We can cultivate gratitude in ourselves and in our children by taking a little time each day to list what we are thankful to have. How about putting a piece of blank paper with the heading “I am thankful for…” and putting in the frig door? You might get the list started by cutting and pasting the list below, then encouraging family members to add something
I AM THANKFUL FOR…
My eyes and the ability to see and get so much pleasure from this beautiful world.
For my ears and the ability to hear so many pleasing sounds.
For my nose and the ability to enjoy smells of all kinds.
For my taste buds that allow me to enjoy delicious tastes.
For my skin that allows me to get pleasure from so many sensations.
For my brain and mind that allow me to receive and enjoy all of the above
For my pets who give me so much fun
My home, which protects me from the sun, rain, snow and elements.
My bed - where I rest in safety
(Continue and make it your own)
Not only does the “I am thankful” list concept make common sense, researchers have studied this method and substantiate that taking such a simple step on a regular basis actually can increase happiness!
A great classic song to support gratitude is “I Got the Sun in the Morning and the Moon at Night”. For under a buck, you can download my kids sing-along version of the song from CD Baby to share with your family by clicking the “Songs” tab on my website – healthierhappierlife.com
Cultivating gratitude is Step 1. Step 2 is finding meaningful ways to help others less fortunate than ourselves.
Author of 'Healthier Happier Life Skills' series for home and classroom and the multi-award winning 'Best of Broadway and Beyond: Health Series', Pennie Sempell helps children and parents with tools for reducing stress, calming down, improving communication, developing good character, and much more. The new HealthRaiser is an easy fundraiser for parent/teacher and nonprofit groups. Check it out today. www.HealthierHappierLife.com
‘Tis the season of giving and receiving. Indeed, throughout our lives we are giving and receiving in abundance, in small ways and large. If you are reading this article, you and your family have much to be thankful for, for you are among only 1% of our planet’s people who have a computer, and among only 30% who can read. More startling, 80% of our brothers and sisters live in poor living conditions.
We can cultivate gratitude in ourselves and in our children by taking a little time each day to list what we are thankful to have. How about putting a piece of blank paper with the heading “I am thankful for…” and putting in the frig door? You might get the list started by cutting and pasting the list below, then encouraging family members to add something
I AM THANKFUL FOR…
My eyes and the ability to see and get so much pleasure from this beautiful world.
For my ears and the ability to hear so many pleasing sounds.
For my nose and the ability to enjoy smells of all kinds.
For my taste buds that allow me to enjoy delicious tastes.
For my skin that allows me to get pleasure from so many sensations.
For my brain and mind that allow me to receive and enjoy all of the above
For my pets who give me so much fun
My home, which protects me from the sun, rain, snow and elements.
My bed - where I rest in safety
(Continue and make it your own)
Not only does the “I am thankful” list concept make common sense, researchers have studied this method and substantiate that taking such a simple step on a regular basis actually can increase happiness!
A great classic song to support gratitude is “I Got the Sun in the Morning and the Moon at Night”. For under a buck, you can download my kids sing-along version of the song from CD Baby to share with your family by clicking the “Songs” tab on my website – healthierhappierlife.com
Cultivating gratitude is Step 1. Step 2 is finding meaningful ways to help others less fortunate than ourselves.
Author of 'Healthier Happier Life Skills' series for home and classroom and the multi-award winning 'Best of Broadway and Beyond: Health Series', Pennie Sempell helps children and parents with tools for reducing stress, calming down, improving communication, developing good character, and much more. The new HealthRaiser is an easy fundraiser for parent/teacher and nonprofit groups. Check it out today. www.HealthierHappierLife.com
