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
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Jennifer – I am featuring your post this Friday for our Grace & Truth Link-Up. Thank you for writing an inspiring article on gratitude. Yes, I agree; it is life-changing.
Thank you Maree, I’m honored that you picked my post to feature. 😀
Giving thanks is such a wonderful spiritual discipline. The process is more beneficial than the list itself. Thanks for sharing this, Jennifer!
You’re welcome Lisa, I’m always interested in the process & connections God has created. 😀
How fascinating! I didn’t realize the connection between gratitude and our feel-good chemicals. I start every day with listing 5-10 things I’m thankful for–it’s made a wonderful difference in my life–now I know why!
It is fascinating Anita! I love how God has ‘wired us for gratitude at a cellular level 😀
Jennifer, I am so glad you wrote this post. As you probably already know, I love gratitude. This time of year, when we do our 30 days of gratitude, is one of my favorite activities as a blogger. Thank you for sharing the physical attributes of living a life of gratitude. Maree
Thank you Maree! It truly is important to see the link between our spiritual & physical life in gratitude. It’s life changing! 😀
I love this post, Jennifer! I never thought about the downward spiral we get into when we allow negative thoughts to dominate, but it makes perfect sense. The verse from 1 Thessalonians perfectly correlates with your point.
Thank you Laurie! 😀
One of the things I miss most right now is being able to warmly greet and be greeted by people throughout my day. I realize that I am very grateful for all of those little interactions that I must have taken for granted.
It’s interesting isn’t it Elizabeth, how we don’t necessarily notice the little things that make up our wellbeing until they’re gone.
This whole pandemic has made that very clear for me.
So well done, Jennifer, connecting the actual physical results of gratitude in our lives! I always know when I’m feeling negative that I have chosen to forsake an attitude of gratitude! I needed this reminder to day, THANK YOU!!
You’re most welcome Donna! It’s always a choice & we often forget this when we’re tired, weary or in the depth of dealing with what appears as an overwhelming situation in our lives. But gratitude begets happier & healthier mental wellbeing. 😀
I want to say “thank you” for such a beautiful reminder especially during this not so positive time in our world. I have so very much to be grateful for and it is nice to be reminded of that very fact. Even though times are tough and it is easy to be swept into fear and uncertainty ~ God’s love never fails.
You’re most welcome! His love indeed never fails, that’s so very comforting ♥
God has created us in every wonderful way so we can live as He wants us to if we only choose that way. I get e-mails from MovieGuide, and tonight I just finished reading about Michael J. Fox and how in his darkest hours with serious health issues he learned to be more deeply grateful than ever. He believes being grateful is connected to being able to accept your situation, not as punishment or penance, but simply for what it is with assurance that your situation can change.
I just had a cup (actually 2 cups) of green tea. I just bought a box of it at a place where they sell mostly honey but have a gift shop as well, and tea is one of those things you can buy there. They also have the flower teas. I have never had them, but bought some to put into Christmas gifts. I suppose I should try one myself sometime.
What a delightful gift, a box of tea, my favorite gift!
And thank you for that inspiring story. 😀
Thank you Jennifer for this timely post. Gratitude will change our attitude. I always suggest to ladies that I mentor to make a daily list of blessings that they then can praise God and thank Him for. Gratitude and thankfulness will cause us to praise Him so the rocks don’t have to do it in our place. You are a blessing and an encourager, sweet friend.
You’re most welcome sweet friend! And I love that you pass that on in your mentoring Pam! ♥