The Power of Positive Thinking

Thanksgiving 2010 has come and gone.  The countdown to Christmas has started along with the annual catalog inundation my mailbox receives.   I realized I did not make note of all that I was thankful for, (well, except on Facebook) and this morning while drinking my coffee and reading "127 Days" - the story of Aron Ralston, the hiker who amputated his own arm in a successful quest for survival who records all he is thankful for while facing death - I know I have much to be noted.

I then stumble upon a study published by the Wall Street Journal which denotes that grateful people lead happier lives.  In fact researches conducted a study to prove this thought:

"A growing body of research suggests that maintaining an attitude of gratitude can improve psychological, emotional and physical well-being.


.Adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not, according to studies conducted over the past decade. They're also less likely to be depressed, envious, greedy or alcoholics. They earn more money, sleep more soundly, exercise more regularly and have greater resistance to viral infections.

Now, researchers are finding that gratitude brings similar benefits in children and adolescents. Kids who feel and act grateful tend to be less materialistic, get better grades, set higher goals, complain of fewer headaches and stomach aches and feel more satisfied with their friends, families and schools than those who don't, studies show." - WSJ M. Beck 11/26/10

Me, I equate being grateful with optimism.  When you have awareness of just how much "good" you have in your life such as  family, friends, health, etc.; how can one be negative?  The next few weeks will be busy ones - I have a gingerbread houses to create with my niece and nephews, birthday to celebrate, holiday parties to attend, tickets to see Prince, Chelsea Handler, and of course the annual TSO extravaganza.  My family will be visiting from MA, I'll ring in 2011 with friends and best of all, I receive my very last Zometa injection with hopes that it will be last time  I see the chemo suite at my oncologist;s office. (For those unaware, Zometa is infused and yes, I get to sit in the very same chairs I received my treatment in - a bit disconcerting to say the least!)

I have passed the two year mark of completing treatment for breast cancer.  I have found the strength (I think...) to grow my hair out, sporting a pulled back look I'll most likely be wearing for the next year or so.  I have been able to identify many triggers of the hot flashes left as a result of my surgery this past summer.  I can still run, still swim.  I finally no longer have a bright orange sink in my kitchen.  Yes, I have much to be thankful for and hope you do too!