By Carol McClain @carol_mcclain Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression . Grateful people are more likely to behave in a prosocial manner, even when others behave less kindly, according to a 2012 study by the University of Kentucky. Study participants who ranked higher on gratitude scales were less likely to retaliate against others, even when given negative feedback. They experienced …[ read more ]

By Carol McClain @carol_mcclain Gratitude improves psychological health. Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. Robert Emmons, a leading gratitude researcher, has conducted multiple studies on the link between gratitude and well-being. His research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression. ( http://bit.ly/2sRBIR0) Who doesn’t want to feel emotionally strong? Who …[ read more ]

By Carol McClain @carol_mcclain   Gratitude improves physical health. Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier than other people, according to a 2012 study published in  Personality and Individual Differences. Not surprisingly, grateful people are also more likely to take care of their health. They exercise more often and are more likely to attend regular check-ups, which …[ read more ]

By Carol McClain @carol_mcclain According to Psychology Today, (http://bit.ly/2sRBIR0), gratitude improves relationships. Can you imagine why? While sitting in the teacher’s room, a colleague and I had an agreeable conversation between grading papers. In came “Bud.” He never had a positive thing to say. “Bellyache, bellyache…” My friend had the good fortune to need hearing aids. …[ read more ]

By Carol McClain @carol_mcclain You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Ps. 23:5 We live our lives denying the fact they will end. Or else, we expect, as Christians, that our lives will be pain-free if we have the right combination …[ read more ]