Podcast: Download

In the States, Thursday is Thanksgiving. Regardless of where you reside, it is beneficial to count your blessings and express thanks. Science has been studying gratitude for a number of years*, and has found gratitude helps us physically, mentally, and socially. Studies looking at couples find those who practice intentional gratitude have better marriages and far less divorce.

Learning to feel and express gratitude results in you being happier, and it makes you a better person. Some suggest taking a few minutes each day to write down three to five things for which you are grateful. If you want to see changes in your marriage, do this specifically about your husband. It may be difficult at first, but you should be able to find a few small things. The next step is to express your thanks to your guy for the things for which you are grateful. 

Here are a few of the things for which I am thankful:

1. Jesus died and rose for me, so I might be reconciled with God.
2. My wife’s integrity.
3. A new grandchild!
4. Our Life Group at church, what an awesome bunch of people you are!
5. My wife’s lifelong journey of healing and growth.
6. My son married a fine young woman with a family I would want to spend time with even if we were not related.
7. The maturity and wisdom I have gained over the last year, and the ways my growth has made my life easier and better.
8. Close, true friends who know me, love me, and hold me accountable.
9. Sex has become a source of joy and connection in our marriage.
10. A dream for the future. 

~ Paul – I’m XY, and I have so much for which to be grateful!

To read more about gratitude, check out:

Why Gratitude Is Good | Greater Good 
Does Gratitude Matter in Marriage? | Psychology Today 
The Grateful Brain | Psychology Today 

[This post first appeared Nov 26, 2014.]

Image Credit: © Microgen | stock.adobe.com
Shop Amazon ♦ Shop to give links page
We’re donation supported Thanks for your help!
This post may contain affiliate links, see my disclosure for info.