Does an attitude of gratitude promote a healthier life?

A month or so ago, I decided to treat myself to a massage during the week, as I had taken off the week to gain a bit of perspective, after my sister had passed. Lo and behold, it resulted in excruciating pain and a pinched nerve in my neck, leading to considerable shoulder pain. I went to a new ortho doctor and found out that I have arthritis in both of my shoulder joints and neck. Apparently, it is uncommon for someone in their mid 50s to have arthritis in the shoulders and neck. It must be my good genes (Wink Wink). He gave me a shot of Cortisone in my right shoulder, which hurt like a bugger for days. His only suggestion was that if it continues to hurt, then we could look at a shoulder replacement. I know I’m old enough to receive AARP, but really, I didn’t think that I was at that stage yet. LOL.

After I left the doctor’s office, I was discouraged, in a lot of pain, and overly sad about my condition. Later that night, I came across this clip, which gave me a bit more hope. It is Daily Healing Bread, Part 54 from the dufresneministries (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKHh-sVSPU-/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==).

What caught my attention, was when she said “To complain is to focus on what’s negative. Faith focuses on what’s positive. The way you shut down complaint is to replace it with gratitude. Instead of complaining about the parts that don’t work, what about being grateful for all the parts that do work?”

After countless listens, it caused me to think more about the abundant blessings that I do have, as well as the parts of my body that are still working properly. As I meticulously went through limb by limb, I discovered that I am in pretty good health, condition and shape. Initially, I made a mental list and then a written list.

It’s remarkable how your attitude affects your actions, which in turn affects your outcome. I truly believe that if we can maintain an attitude of gratitude, we can live healthier lives.

 I have a challenge for you. If you are going through a difficult time either physically, emotionally or spiritually, I’d like to encourage you to think about all of the other areas in your life where you are prospering. To take it a step further, make a list of 10 areas of your life that are going well. And keep that list in front of you at all times, or at least while you are going through this difficult time.