Thanksgiving evokes so many ideas in so many people. The Pilgrims. Images of New England. Feasts of turkey, gravy, cranberries, pies. Time with family and friends. The holiday season.

And yet for others, who don’t have those resources and luxuries, it can be a very difficult time—a time of loneliness, hunger, homelessness.

But regardless of where and what circumstances we find ourselves in, we can give thanks.

That simple, easy-to-do, infinitely free act of expressing gratitude not only makes us feel better about ourselves and others, but it actually can affect our health and well-being.

In a recent Harvard Medical School HEALTHbeat blog, “Giving thanks can make you happier,” the authors reported that:

Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, gratitude also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.

It’s the latter—a higher power—that resonates with me.

About 10 or so years ago I began feeling pretty depressed about some aspects of my professional career. Things just weren’t going well. And then on top of that, I came down with the flu. I was feeling pretty miserable. 

While sitting on the sofa one afternoon, trying to gain some peace about things, I suddenly realized that I could feel gratitude. 

About what? Simply that God had created me and I was alive.

It was a powerful moment. There’s no other way to describe it.

Immediately all symptoms of the flu stopped—right then and there. 

And my career? 

I gained a different perspective on my life. My focus and priorities changed—a change that eventually led to a public healing profession as a Christian Science practitioner. Within 2 years an adjunct avenue opened as the media liaison for that faith in our state. Both continue to be deeply rewarding.

So, amidst the simple fare or elaborate banquets this Thanksgiving Day—or even right now—take a moment to be grateful. 

You may be amazed at how a spark of gratitude can ignite a life-long flame of inspiration!