CROSSVILLE —
Numerous psychologists from around the world have conducted research that repeatedly points to the benefits of gratitude. The results of these studies indicate that daily gratitude exercises lead to higher reported levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism and energy. Grateful peoples experience less depression and stress, are more likely to help others, exercise more regularly and make greater progress toward achieving personal goals.
Gratitude should not be just be for getting what you want, but be an all-the-time experience, the kind where you notice the little things and where you constantly look for the good even in unpleasant situations. The discipline of gratitude reminds us how utterly dependent we are on others and Earth for everything that matters.
Learning how to become more grateful requires lifelong daily practice. The practices described below all have been shown to develop gratitude and its benefits.
•Keep a gratitude journal. A well-researched method to develop the practice of gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal. This exercise basically consists of writing down every day a list of three to ten things for which you are grateful. You can do this first thing in the morning or before going to bed at night.
•Count your blessings. If writing is not your thing, count your blessings inside your head. It helps to do it when you’re stuck or feeling low. It will help you keep a good perspective and feel better.
•Say “Thanks!” Every time you don't thank someone for some small kindness, you miss a moment of happiness. Make a point of expressing your thanks to everyone who does something for you that you appreciate. Something as simple as someone holding a door open for you. You will not only make their day, you’ll also feel good about yourself for taking time to acknowledge the other person.
•Send thank-you notes. It's an increasingly-ignored tradition that benefits the sender as much as the recipient.
•Say grace. Take a moment to say grace before meals, reflecting on the blessing of having delicious and healthful food to eat. It’s a simple but powerful reminder of at least one important blessing that often gets overlooked in the hubbub of everyday life. If you're not religious, simply express your gratitude in whatever manner suits you.
Once you start everyday looking for things to be grateful for, you will find that you begin to appreciate simple pleasures and things that you previously took for granted. Today, start bringing gratitude to your experience of life.
May you find what I have reported interesting and something you can use in your life. I invite you to email me your reactions (lgorenflo@gmail.com).
Lifestyles
THE GOOD LIFE: Count your blessings
- Lifestyles
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CCHS Class of 1963 congratulates Class of 2013
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Putt for the Cure miniature golf tournament a success
Kids of all ages enjoyed a fun outing of miniature golf Saturday at the first Putt for the Cure event, presented by Dr. Calley Jo Elsea of Cloudland Dental, to benefit the Upper Cumberland affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Players teams up with sponsors and host Pirates Plateau Golf Adventure to raise funds to help area women get needed screening exams, support patients and survivors, educate the public and support national research initiatives.
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Around the Town: Attendance is the Key to success in Cumberland County!
High school attendance is up and 10 cars have been given away. This is all thanks to some forward thinking educators along with Dave and Connie Kirk and the staff at Dave Kirk Automotive. This year marks the 10th anniversary, or a decade, of what the high school students call "Dave Kirk Drawing Day." Or, in layman's terms, some junior or senior from Cumberland County High School, Stone Memorial High School or Phoenix School wins a brand spanking new vehicle.
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End of another great year for Neighbors and Newcomers
Referred to as the "best little club on the mountain," Neighbors and Newcomers will be holding its last meeting of the year May 23. After a fun-filled, interesting and exciting year, the group will enjoy this end-of-the-year lunch at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds.
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Seniors to visit Sutton General Store May 18
On May 10, the members of the 127 Senior Center had a good time socializing, playing bingo, dominos and billiards. Numbers were called by Arlene Simmons, with the prizes furnished by Bob Folger, with State Farm Insurance.
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Marriage licenses
Published May 15, 2013.
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Pow-wow set for May 18-19
Everyone is invited to come attend the educational and cultural event, Pow-Wow on the Plateau "Honoring All Survivors" on May 18 and 19 at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds. There will be many Indian tribes and dance styles represented. Bert Cox will be the master of ceremonies.
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PLEASANT HILL RAMBLINGS: Therapy gym opens at Uplands
Functional Pathways, Inc. is the Uplands Village therapy provider for physical, occupational and speech therapy. A new therapy gym has been established in the renovated Apartment 4 at 23 Heritage Loop next door to the new home health care office and respite rooms. The Village and Fletcher residents will receive their therapy in the gym. Wharton Homes residents will have therapy in the Wharton therapy rooms.
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FAIR PARK: Crossville’s Got Talent is this Friday
Crossville really has so much talent in this area. Some is home grown, and others have decided to enjoy retiring in the county. The Fair Park Senior Center recently held auditions for the third annual Crossville’s Got Talent Show, and everyone who tried out did a great job, but the show is very limited to only two hours. So not all the people who tried out got to be in the show.
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PLATEAU GARDENING: Pruning pines
The time for spring pruning of pines is right now while new growth (commonly called "candles") is still pale green and flexible. Waiting until later in the season or using tools like hand-held or long-handled pruners doesn’t give good results.
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