Improve Mental Strength

By Carol McClain @carol_mcclain

Gratitude increases mental strength. For years, research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress, but it may also play a major role in overcoming trauma. A 2006 study published in Behavior Research and Therapy found that Vietnam War veterans with higher levels of gratitude experienced lower rates of post-traumatic stress disorder. A 2003 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that gratitude was a major contributor to resilience following the terrorist attacks on September 11. Recognizing all that you have to be thankful for —even during the worst times—fosters resilience.(Pyschology Today,   http://bit.ly/2sRBIR0)

I can attest to this today.

We had a group book sale at at a holiday festival. I think I did the worst with no sales. Unless you count the woman who gave a book to her friend worse off than I.

The venue did not treat it’s vendors well. Everything had to be paid for along with the site fee–entrance fees, wifi, if you needed an extra chair.

Everyone went home early.

Ordinarily, I’d be depressed, and I’m not.

I don’t have anything, personally, to be grateful for. I feel bad that across the board, vendors faired poorly.

Still I’m smiling. More than a grin, inside I’m content. This venue stunk, nevertheless, I have so much to be grateful for.

Today’s gratitude:

  1. Friends in my old hometown are setting up a book signing for me. I know I’ll sell books there.
  2. Amazon finally approved my ad. (You should check out A New York Yankee on Stinking Creek. It’s a great book. Even my mother says so!)
  3. I figured out my knitting pattern. It proves even old dolts can learn new tricks.
  4. My friend who used to be sedentary is rocking the walking thing.
  5. God made salmon, and I’m not a vegetarian.
  6. I know I was only going to give five things I’m grateful for, but today needs a 6th. Tomorrow my hubby and I are going on a date.

Life is good, but it’s short. Don’t waste it. Love it.

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