“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” — Philippians 4:6

How do you handle feeling low? Do you reach for junk food, shop or even try to avoid the feelings?

Practicing gratitude is a simple, powerful way to lift your mood and improve well–being. Regularly reflecting on what you’re thankful for — through journaling or expressing appreciation — can reduce stress, strengthen relationships and build resilience for a more fulfilling life.

What does it mean to be GRATEFUL? Where thankfulness is an emotion, gratitude is an attitude of appreciation under any circumstances — more than just being thankful. It’s being appreciative of daily life even when nothing exciting happens. Being thankful changes our perspective and “flips the script.”

Having a consistent attitude of gratitude isn’t tied to a specific circumstance or situation (James 1:2-4). This attitude is commanded (1 Thessalonians 5:18) to be an ever–present, daily acknowledgment of God’s unconditional love, grace, and mercy — fixing our focus beyond the temporary challenges of this earthly life. Not only is it not our natural tendency, but the circumstances of this life can tug on our perspective (Romans 8:13). Cultivating this attitude and culture of our life takes intentionality and understanding of necessity.

The four A’s of expressing gratitude

Author Brian Tracy states, “Even in the midst of the greatest difficulties you will experience in life, you can always find things for which you are truly grateful.”

He proclaims that by practicing these four A’s, you can develop the habit of showing others your gratitude.

Appreciation: Express gratitude to everyone and develop an attitude of gratitude.
Approval: Give praise and approval for good effort and all suggestions or ideas.
Admiration: Compliment people on their traits and accomplishments.
Attention: Listen mindfully to others with patience and attention.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” — Philippians 4:8

Source: Positive Psychology; My Grateful Life blog on WordPress.com

The Gratitude Bingo+ Challenge

How about putting some of this gratitude into practice with a Synod–wide Challenge?

Gratitude BINGO+

Nov. 15–Dec. 14 you can earn 100 Vitality Points doing Gratitude BINGO+! You have 30 days to practice gratitude in some creative ways. To receive points, you must reach TWO BINGOS in any direction, any combination — vertical, horizontal or diagonal.

• Starting Nov. 15, track your progress with this form. You also can find this in your Vitality Points Planner under the "Wellness Challenge” tile.
• Once BINGO+ is reached, submit your document or a picture of it to Vitality via the "Gratitude Bingo+" tile within the "Wellness Challenges" category through your Points Planner (only one submission accepted).
• Entries must be submitted by Dec. 19 to receive points.

 Sing songs of gratitude

“Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre!” — Psalm 147:7

Check out the “Gratitude Playlist” created to support an attitude of gratitude throughout the holiday season. This playlist includes traditional Lutheran hymns.