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Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey

Gratitude—A Way of Life

Dec 03, 2023 10:28PM ● By Joe Dunne

On this Thanksgiving eve, I’m thinking of the millions of people traveling to celebrate with family, loved ones and friends. We will sit around our tables and profess our gratitude. I have seen this tradition produce surprise and awkward moments, even  struggle, just to acknowledge what we are grateful for. It shouldn’t be that hard when you spend time thinking about it. 

There is a saying, “there but for the grace of God, go I”. Living in gratitude allows me the chance to put things in proper perspective, to not be a victim of circumstance, to accept what is and counterbalance my thinking, to center myself.  If one has been blessed with love, life, family, and friends, it’s wise to never forget to be grateful. 

No one will take the money, cars, houses, or jewels with them. I have never heard a person on their death bed say they wish they had gone to the office more or worked harder. There are people in the world burdened with unbearable conditions and  circumstances, and nothing inspires me more, humbles me more than when I see them turn the lemon into lemonade. They have this unbelievable mindset of gratitude and acceptance, and sometimes—most times—they are smiling. Think on that for a second. 

 Gratitude is something I am very passionate about. I have learned that I need a plan and a few action steps to maintain a positive attitude, to see the good and feel grateful for all that I have. My life is my responsibility, and so is the decision to bring in the good stuff. For that to happen, gratitude is key.

When life gets difficult, when stuff happens, when reality is not the way I want it to be, when pain and suffering are unavoidable, gratitude is the mental path I need to be on. It leads me to acceptance. It pushes me forward. Gratitude delivers the mindset needed to breathe, adjust, and continue when life gets difficult.  

I maintain that practicing gratitude, not just in the holiday season but every day, cannot hurt. In time, practicing gratitude becomes a habit that slowly moves me in inches to contentment and happiness. Gratitude is a way of life. In my eyes, it’s the better alternative. 

As we move into this holiday season of celebration and see our year of 2024 edging ever closer, I propose a movement of everyday gratitude. It’s a good spiritual present to ourselves.

With much gratitude and love,

Joe & Asta Dunne, Publishers

5 Top Tips to Finding Your Next Doctor

1 Keep an Open Mind! Healthcare has come a long way. Today, you have access to practitioners that branch outside of traditional medicine and aim to identify the root causes of conditions while using alternative treatments that may help you get the relief you need. Just because it’s not a pill, doesn’t make it pseudoscience.

2 Build Your Health Care Team. There is no one doctor that can be the be-all-end-all for your health needs. Be sure to have a team of practitioners with different “lenses” and areas of expertise who will treat the root cause and not just the symptom(s).

3   Environment Influences Healing. Health is multi-factorial. Your mental and emotional environment plays a pivotal role in your healing potential. Your doctors and their staff should create an office atmosphere filled with positivity so you can get the most out of your care.

4 Your Story Matters.  Before you begin any treatment, be sure to have a comprehensive consultation to discuss your health concerns. Find practitioners who welcome questions and will take the time to listen and treat you with respect.

5 Report of Findings. When it comes to our health, we often make decisions without understanding the risk versus benefits. Knowledge is an important part of the healing process and is essential to make conscious, informed health decisions. Find practitioners who take the time to explain their exam findings and the recommendations for treatment in ways that make sense to you.

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