By Melissa Chapman
Cataloging Supervisor

Needle felt a pumpkin air freshener at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9. Advance registration and class fee are required. Contact the Warsaw Community Public Library for details. Pictured is Charlene Caron. Photo provided by WCPL staff.

National Gratitude Month is celebrated every November. Research states that people who practice gratitude every day are not only more contented but also healthier.

Gratitude is the simplest way to change one’s perception of the world. It allows us to appreciate the positive, rather than focus on the negative. Learning to be grateful helps to appreciate the little things in life, which brings about a deep feeling of fulfillment that satisfies and sustains the soul.

Studies have shown women tend to be more grateful than men are. Did you also know that gratitude makes for a healthier work environment? It also improves grades. Research has also shown that materialistic people are low in well-being, as they are less appreciative. Gratitude improves physical health. People who practice gratitude experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier than others do.

Gratitude helps in reducing harmful emotions, ranging from envy and resentment to anger and frustration. According to research, grateful people have higher levels of positive emotion that effectively increases happiness and reduces depression. Showing appreciation not only improves existing relationships but can also help you win new friends.

What can you do to celebrate the month? Start a gratitude journal. Write three things you are grateful for every day. Share gratitude with other people. Tell them how much you appreciate their services, care, friendship, etc. Show your family how grateful you are to have them, and let them know how they make your life better just by being a part of it. Show your appreciation by giving back to the community. Helping out in the community is a good way to value everything in life.

In these tough times, we should say thank you to all the workers who’ve assisted in keeping our way of life ongoing. Some of the least appreciated people in our society are restaurant servers. Many do their best to provide quality service for low pay. The next time you eat out, give an extra generous tip to your server. We often neglect to be grateful for the beauty around us. Take time to see the beauty in everything around you, and be glad you’re alive to see it.

Even though it may have been a tough year for you or loved ones, you can still try to find the unseen benefit in everything you’re going through.