Dark times call for the light of ‘thanks-living’

For a lot of Americans, it's an understandable struggle this year to be thankful and celebrate Thanksgiving.

The American dream has felt a bit like a nightmare for too many:

• Inflation is at a 40-year high, costing Americans $445 more in expenses every month.
• Mortgage rates are at a 20-year high. (The Fed raised interest rates six times this year alone.)
• Economic experts say a full-blown recession is imminent (The largest shipping mogul just reported that "dark economic clouds are on the horizon.")
• According to the 2022 Personal Capital Wealth and Wellness Index, only 53% of Americans are in a position to handle an unforeseen $500 expense without worry.
• And most painful of all, as gas, grocery and house prices skyrocket, average middle-class Americans are suffering simply to pay for essentials like food and shelter.

I'm a firm believer that breakthroughs often come through brainpower and perseverance. But I've learned another lesson the hard way and by helping others: Breakthrough can also come through brokenness—our times of trouble, trial and even tragedy. And there's no better proof for that than at Thanksgiving time and in particular reflection of what the Pilgrims originally endured.

A few years ago, USA Today reported on a multiple-university study on the power of gratitude. The researchers discovered that gratefulness really is medicine for the soul. It can make you both healthier and happier.

The researchers found that those who practiced a thankful attitude lifted their moods, felt less stress and depression, felt less hostile, had lower blood pressure and had lower risks of several disorders, including phobias, bulimia and addictions to alcohol, nicotine and even food.

Gratefulness even can help us stop binging and mood eating over the holidays. And with studies showing that the average American gains seven pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas, that's great news about which we all can be thankful!

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