Gratitude written

Years ago, one of my amazing clients gave me a cookie jar. It was made of glass with letters etched in black on it that said, "Thankful Jar." She had made it especially for me. She told me in her family they had a jar too, and when you have things you are thankful for, you write them down on a slip of paper and put it in the jar. She then beautifully described the things that come up in the gratitude jar.

I loved this idea of being thankful for the everyday little things, particularly the hugs, smiles and laughter of my kids; and I sensed that from her writing them down, it made it very real and important. I had practiced writing down my gratitude years ago in my own journal, and it had a very profound effect on me during a low part of my life. So I loved the idea of this jar with quick little notes written to be reminded of the joy of life. I loved the idea of dipping in and grabbing one when I needed a reminder throughout the year.

So with this gratitude taking front and center, I say let's do this thing: Thanksgiving! Let's celebrate this holiday favorite time of year, because we get to see the little everyday blessings we have been given. Then, let it push you to take inventory of the last year of your life, reminding you of all the special people you know, and then let your joy meter register off the charts.

So here I go, my top ten list: 1: Family Funnies. 2: Love Bug Hugs. 3: Body Power. 4: Sugar Belles. 5: Freedom Choosers. 6: Inside Beauty. 7: Parent Promoters. 8: Love Unconditional. 9: Passionate Patients. 10: God's Goodness

So I'm challenging you, write them down, ten of them this holiday week. It will change your perspective to gratitude. Practicing it will give you great joy. Writing it down it will give you power to change the way you see your world. Never give up on your health, the people you love and your finances. You can do it, I know you can. I'm cheering for you. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Lake City Physical Therapy!

Sheree DiBiase, PT, is the owner of Lake City Physical Therapy, and she and her amazing staff can be reached in their Coeur d'Alene office at (208) 667-1988 and in their Spokane Valley office at (509) 891-2623. Thank you everyone for making this an incredible year. You know where to find is if you want to make a change in your health. We are here for you.