We know that there are good things in the world around us and we are aware that there have been gifts we have received, yet our everyday lifestyle that we have created makes it difficult to stand still and recognize all of the goodness in our lives. We rush from place to place running errands, picking up children, holding up commitments, doing all things that we believe to be the important and necessary things in our lives. Most nights (if you are anything like me), your head hits the pillow and you are fast asleep in no time. The time we allow for ourselves to stop and reflect on all the goodness in our life is very limited. Although we all live a busy lifestyle, it is important to make time during the day for gratitude.

Let me explain.

The other day I ran across some words from a wise man named Robert Emmons on why gratitude is good. This is what he wrote:

“It’s an affirmation of goodness. We affirm that there are good things in the world, gifts and benefits we’ve received. […] “We recognize that the sources of this goodness are outside of ourselves. […] We acknowledge that other people—or even higher powers, if you’re of a spiritual mindset—gave us many gifts, big and small, to help us achieve the goodness in our lives.”

In the last 12 months I have made a conscious effort to be mindful of all of the goodness that has been presented to me, even the little things! Months of conscious gratitude has now turned in to an unconscious habit. Each day I find myself being thankful for the people I am surrounded by, the things that I have, the goals I meet, the man who held the door for me, the birds chirping in the trees, and the list goes on! Because of this one simple intention, I feel that my life is fuller and richer than it was just one year ago.

Why is my life that much better than one year ago and what does gratitude have to do with it?

This is what I have seen come from the increase in gratitude from this girl!

  1. An increase in happiness. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy a year ago as well, but this is a different kind of happiness—one that warms my soul. Pure joy. It’s hard to bring me down! I am mindful of the amazing family friendships I have as well as the awesome opportunities in front of me. I. Am. Happy.
  2. Reduced anxiety and stress. One year ago I had just gotten married, moved what I considered far away (5.5 hours) from my family, I didn’t have a full time job, and my husband and I were living with a family of five. (So the whole sharing a living environment wasn’t so bad, actually it was kind of nice. Pretty much the best roommates you could ever ask for! But still, not the ideal situation for anyone.) Through gratitude I began to realize how great we actually had it. I was able to work a part-time gig from home until I found a full-time job—that was amazing! Monthly drives home made the distance a little easier and I was thankful to have a vehicle that got me there. I was surrounded by amazing people who lifted me up and taught me important lessons.
  3. Improved health. Studies actually suggest gratitude strengthens the immune system, reduces symptoms of illness, and makes us less bothered by aches and pains—and man do I believe it! If you lived in the Midwest last winter, you will agree that it was a bit cold. Okay, like REALLY stinkin’ cold! I was healthy all year long with the exception of a mild cold or sinus infection. The fact that I felt good encouraged me to exercise more and eat better. You know the saying, “God created it. Jesus died for it. The spirit lives in it. I’d better take care of it.” Well, that summarizes it for me. You can bet that I am grateful for this body I have been given and I am taking care of it!
  4. Stronger relationships: Whether it was my relationship with my husband, with my family members or with my friends, all relationships were strengthened by expressing gratitude making me feel closer and more committed. I was thankful to have those people in my life that supported me, encouraged me, and inspired me. I began to find the joy in actually listening to others when they spoke. In the process, I learned more about them and more about myself.

So here’s the thing folks… You need to quit flying through life by the seat of your pants. Stop to smell the roses from time to time. Your life is a beautiful gift that was given only to you, for you. Enjoy it and be grateful! You can say thank you all you want and mind your manners, but there’s more to being grateful than going through the motions. Be mindful of all those wonderful things in your life AND acknowledge them! Take time out of your busy lives to actually stop, reflect and give thanks for what matters most. True gratitude can improve your happiness, your stress levels, your health and wellness, your relationships and your life as a whole.

Gratitude is powerful—you know that it is true, why not give it a shot!

-Jacey

What are you grateful for today? This week? This year? Please share and inspire us by leaving a comment below!

 

So God Made a Mother book by Leslie Means

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A MOTHER available now!

Order Now

Check out our new Keepsake Companion Journal that pairs with our So God Made a Mother book!

Order Now
So God Made a Mother's Story Keepsake Journal

Jacey Edson

Jacey is one of the most fun-loving, energetic and positive people you may ever meet! She lives every day to its fullest and continuously looks for ways to become a better human being. She has a passion for inspiring other women (and men) to practice self-love, compassion and gratitude while connecting them with like-minded individuals. Her passion intertwines with that of Her View from Home—to connect your view with the rest of the world—which is why she gravitated toward the lifestyle blog and eventual joined the HVFH team as the VP of Marketing. She is married to a great man who supports her and all she pursues. Together they own a cat, Luna, who you may hear about from time to time; they have no children as of now, maybe in the future!

Lent For Kids: 40 Ways To Spend 40 Days

In: Featured, Kids
Cross with bird

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season leading to Easter. Our 3-year-old has been talking about the Easter bunny since January, when he finally understood that Christmas was over. While I’m happy he’s excited for the upcoming holiday, I really want to find some good, concrete ways to help him learn that this time of year is not only about bunnies and candy in eggs. So, I’ve decided to come up with 40 ways to spend the 40 days of Lent with kids. Some of these will work better with older children, while others are great for...

Keep Reading

Chocolate Pot de Crème

In: Featured, Kitchen

Chocolate and romance go hand in hand and with Valentine’s Day around the bend, why not have a beautifully simple and romantic dessert on the menu? With Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday, it might be a little more difficult to get those reservations to go out to eat to celebrate. If you end up staying home, why not have an easy, romantic dessert to finish your meal? Made in a blender or food processor and refrigerated, this recipe is easy to make and the result can be a beautiful and elegant dessert that will put the perfect cap on...

Keep Reading

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

In: Featured, Kitchen

Written By:  Rachel Gnagy @ Inscribed Photography & Design (recipe originally from here) One of my favorite ‘girly’ meals to make is soup served in bread bowls. I love getting the Broccoli Cheese soup at Quizno’s (it’s healthy because it has broccoli, right?) and Panera’s Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice soup. YUM. So when I saw a recipe on Pinterest for creamy chicken and rice soup, I thought I would give it a try! You will need: 1 Tablespoon of olive oil 2-3 carrots, sliced 2 cloves of garlic, minced 5 cups of chicken stock 1 cup of cooked chicken,...

Keep Reading

Chicken Cordon Bleu for Two

In: Featured, Kitchen

Written By:  Rachel @ Inscribed Photography (Recipe originally from here) Valentine’s Day is coming up and with that in mind I wanted to bring you an easy, delicious meal for you and your special man. This recipe is by far the easiest Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe and it is super yummy too! Pair it with some steamed veggies on the side and something chocolatey for dessert and you’re all set for a romantic dinner for two. For the chicken, you will need: 2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise 8 slices of deli ham 8 slices of Swiss cheese 1...

Keep Reading

Easy Weeknight Beef Stroganoff

In: Featured, Kitchen

We all have those heirloom recipes we grew up with, but when you get married you inherit a whole new set of recipes your spouse grew up with, too. This stroganoff recipe is one that my husband grew up eating and then cooked frequently for himself before I took over in the kitchen. (ha.) He made it for me once while we were dating, and I will admit – I was super skeptical. Generally, these sorts of humble dishes aren’t my cup of tea – the ones made with cream-of canned soups and noodles. However, I tried it and was...

Keep Reading

Hanging Onto Hope: The Dream That Saved My Baby Girl

In: Faith, Featured, Journal, Kids
Hanging Onto Hope: The Dream That Saved My Baby Girl www.herviewfromhome.com

Family and friends often assure pregnant women that their “maternal instincts” can be relied on to guide them into motherhood. This previously undiscovered gift will reveal itself the first time she holds her child. As a mother of four I believe in this instinct, but also recognize that experience and wisdom help. The birth of our fifth child, Kinsley, has introduced me to another source of guidance and strength that I never anticipated. Kinsley was born the day after Christmas. She was pink, beautiful and certified by the medical staff as being in perfect health. She was welcomed with unconditional...

Keep Reading

Bow Your Head and Vote, Yes the Outcome is Rigged

In: Featured
Bow Your Head and Vote, Yes the Outcome is Rigged www.herviewfromhome.com

“Keep in mind this is God’s plan! And who am I to dare question God’s plan!” I say it over and over as I watch this mess unfold before me. This mess, America is calling an election. I have never been impressed with the two-party system. It allows too much power to a select few and limits our freedoms. So, as I watch and listen and pray, as Trump and Clinton march to the White House, I only hope more Americans now see the disaster that is the two-party system. Two people that should be sitting in jail are now...

Keep Reading

This Kick-Ass Cancer Survivor Shares 20 Easy Ways To Make Your Life Healthier Today

In: Featured, Health, Healthy Living, Mental Health, Motherhood
This Kick-Ass Cancer Survivor Shares 20 Easy Ways To Make Your Life Healthier Today www.herviewfromhome.com

I recently went through quite an experience with my health. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September of 2015. Following my diagnosis, I underwent a treatment regimen of chemotherapy, double mastectomy, and then, 28 rounds of radiation.  Before my diagnosis, I felt the healthiest I have probably, in my whole life. I was exercising regularly. Eating, conscious of my health. And after birthing three kids in 6 years, finding ways to focus on myself once again. And then — WHAM — cancer.  Excuuuuuuuuse me?!?! Cancer?!? I was, for all intents and purposes, a 33-year-old with great habits and a great...

Keep Reading

The Great Melt Down

In: Faith, Featured, Kids, Kitchen
The Great Melt Down www.herviewfromhome.com

When my brother Bobby and I were little kids, one of the great treats of summer was a journey to a neighboring town where my dad would buy each of us a hand-dipped ice cream cone. During the drive home, my mom would turn around from the front seat and point out drips that we back-seat-riders needed to lick up quick. I, the ever-eager pleaser, would anxiously eat my ice cream as quickly as possible, barely taking a breath between licks. Bobby, on the other hand, came up with the more reasonable response. He would grin at Mom and bite...

Keep Reading

The Best (and free) Drug Prevention Strategy

In: Featured, Health, Healthy Living, Kids, Relationships
The Best (and free) Drug Prevention Strategy www.herviewfromhome.com

A secret Facebook group has been uncovered by police that connects kids as young as 12 years-old to places where they can buy drugs. (see the link to the story at the end of this blog)  Shocking? Yes. Surprising? No. Kids find a way, don’t they? So what can we do? There are apps we can buy. There are rules we can make. There are punishments we can deliver.  Yet the best prevention of all is our relationship with our young people.  Time together, conversation, and honest sharing of our lives is the most effective way to influence our kids–even...

Keep Reading