a special feature from Kay Ziplow & Leslie Zinberg, founders

This time of year can get a little out of hand for anyone!  With all the holidays upon us, and a New Year lurking right around the corner, we can get so caught up in ourselves with all the hustle and bustle. We tend to forget some of the simpler and most important nuances of life: Kindness and Gratitude.

What about those who feel lost or overwhelmed or down at this time of year? Research (and common sense) suggests that one aspect of the holiday season – being grateful- can lift spirits immediately. The word ‘gratitude’ is derived from the Latin word ‘gratia’, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context). In some ways, gratitude encompasses all these meanings. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people usually recognize the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, being grateful helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.

Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. This helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

So, this holiday season we encourage you to take five minutes out of your day to reflect on what you are most thankful for; this will help inspire a few mindful moments for you to appreciate your existence and others.  Feed your soul and spread happiness and kindness, rather than angst and rudeness.