We hear a lot about the positive aspects of expressing daily gratitude for our mental well-being but have you ever wondered what that actually means?
First, shall we get that well deserved hot cuppa & treat, put our feet up & enjoy a little break.
Now we’re settled, let’s begin…
Did you know that there is actually a special chemical exchange going on in our brains when we look for things to be grateful for?
You see our subconscious will look for the things that confirm what we believe.
Feeding either the negative ‘reward’ areas of the brain with its toxic neuro chemicals.
Or
The positive ‘feel good‘ areas of our brains with their healthy neuro chemicals.
For Example
If I believe that only negative things happen in life then I will only recognize the negative circumstances that confirm that belief.
Everything in life will be viewed through negative coloured lenses.
Which will then inhibit any recognition of the positive aspects in life.
As that doesn’t feed the toxic reward neuro chemistry of negative beliefs.
However this negative chemical exchange can be reversed, as research has discovered! Refer II
Conversely, if I look for things to be grateful for no matter how small, my neuro chemistry gets an extra surge of positive healthy chemicals which my brain really likes!
It’s those positive ‘feel good’ chemicals that our brains actually thrive on!
Thus, our subconscious will start to look for that extra healthy positive chemical release through gratitude!
In other words our brains were created for gratitude!
Confirmation
This scientific research only confirms what God has been telling us through His Word since the first century…
“…in everything gives thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Here in Australia we don’t have the tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving, as in other parts of the world, but I love the idea!
But really Gratitude should be an everyday experience, shouldn’t it?
I let you in on a little secret, hubby & I pray each night before sleep, we both begin with what we are grateful for that day.
Today I’m grateful for the following…
* God’s kindness to my loved ones & I.
* Hubby’s quiet & loving presence in my life
* The peace & sanctuary of our home by the sea. I so enjoy this area.
* Tea & all its flavors! The Lady Grey blend I’m sipping at the moment & the delicious home baked gf banana & coconut bread I’m enjoying.
* And I’m grateful for you my dear friend for joining me here each week…
You truly are a blessing! Did you know that? Well you are!
May we look for the positive things in our lives & be grateful for the blessings in them.
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
Or in Prayer
© 2019 Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog, All Rights Reserved. Photo by Jessica Lewis on Pexels.com
Featured at Maree Dee’s Grace & Truth LinkUp
Tea With Jennifer 
Jennifer, Australia may not have a Thanksgiving Day but we can have one every day as we think on the goodness and faithfulness of God in our lives. Grateful to read this beautiful post today!
Absolutely Joanne! 🤗
Thankful for family, friends abundant blessings and for God who loves us unconditionally. Thankful for you beautiful message too! Sharing…
Amen Bette! Thank you sweet friend ♥
Love this reminder, Jennifer! Thanks! God knew all along what was best for us! (I’m enjoying my cup of Lady Grey in the mornings!)
Yes He does Carlie! Oh that’s one of my favorites too, Lady Grey! Have you tried French Lady Grey tea? It’s another favorite of mine 😀
That makes a lot of sense. That helps explain why, when something goes wrong, wrong things seem to snowball. When I feel negative about the first thing, that colors my perception of everything. It takes intentionality, but there’s always something to be thankful for.
Yes, that’s a great point to make Barbara there is always something to be grateful for, no matter how small. But the more we look the more positive things we find which feeds those healthy neuro chemicals! 😀
‘Our brains were created for gratitude.’
Oh yes, Jennifer! No wonder that the cultivating of this practice, this lifestyle brings us peace and joy. God shaped us to be people with hearts overflowing …
That He did Linda! Lovely having you drop by today 😀