Finding gratitude amongst the struggle

I was just looking through my journal from twenty years ago when I completed treatment for ovarian cancer.  Boy, did that bring back memories!

At the time, my friend told me to write five things I was grateful for every day.  She heard Oprah speaking about it and thought it may help me in my journey.  Since I have always been an avid Oprah fan, I figured, why not try?!

Now I always felt that I was a grateful person, but going through cancer woke me up to the importance of practicing gratitude on a regular basis.  Don’t get me wrong, I sometimes wrote in my journal about how sad or scared I felt, (as you’ll hear in my video) but more often than not, I wrote about the every day things that brought me joy. Before long, I began to feel less fearful and more hopeful.

Long-term studies support gratitude’s effectiveness, suggesting that a positive, appreciative attitude contributes to greater health and a higher sense of well-being.

In fact, Dr. P. Murali Doraiswamy, head of biologic psychology at Duke University Medical Center, said that “if [thankfulness] were a drug, it would be the world’s best selling product with a health maintenance indication for every major organ system.”

Now that it’s Thanksgiving time, I’d like to challenge you to make gratitude a daily or weekly practice. My bet is that you’ll thank me!

Not sure where to begin?

Here are some suggestions:
1) Keep a gratitude journal next to your bed and write 3-5 things you are grateful for each day.
2) Make an effort to tell your significant other or friend what you appreciate about them.
3) Make it a practice to write down something you appreciate about yourself or what you did well today.
4) Try to find the hidden blessing in a challenging situation.

5) Write someone a thank you note to let them know how much you appreciate them.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

With love and lots to be grateful for,

P.S. Looking for support during or after treatment so that you can let go of the fear and feel your best?  Here are some ways I can help:

1. Join my FB Community where you will get inspiration and great anti-cancer tips.

2. Download my FREE Top Tips for Keeping Cancer Away and Feel Confident in Your Body Again! 

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