It’s Gratitude Month Again! 🎉
November is Gratitude Month at Alpenglow Acupuncture, and it’s one of our favorite traditions of the year. Every November, we bring out our gratitude jar and invite everyone who comes in to jot down what they’re thankful for and drop it in. It’s simple, it’s heartwarming, and by the end of the month that jar is overflowing with good vibes - a visual reminder that there’s so much to appreciate, even in the middle of our busy lives.
Focusing on gratitude has been one of the best ways I’ve found to stay grounded - especially through the ups and downs of the past few years. It’s easy to get caught in what’s stressful or uncertain, but pausing to notice what’s working, what’s beautiful, and what’s steady can shift everything.
Why Gratitude Matters (and What the Research Says)
I’ve always known that gratitude makes me feel better - it grounds me and shifts my focus from what’s hard to what’s working. But the science behind it is pretty amazing too.
Researchers like Dr. Robert Emmons and Dr. Michael McCullough have studied gratitude for decades. In one study, people who spent ten weeks writing about things they were thankful for felt more optimistic, exercised more, and even visited the doctor less than those who focused on daily irritations.
Another study from the University of Pennsylvania found that writing and delivering a letter of gratitude led to an immediate boost in happiness - bigger than any other positive psychology exercise - and the effects lasted for weeks.
Gratitude doesn’t just make us happier; it can strengthen our relationships, improve our health, and even shift the way we handle stress.
How to Practice Gratitude
Gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It just takes a few intentional moments to pause and notice. Here are some simple ways to weave it into your day:
Write a thank-you note. A quick card or text can make someone’s day - and yours.
Keep a gratitude journal. Jot down three things you’re grateful for before bed. They don’t have to be profound - “good coffee” counts.
Count your blessings. Each week, take a few minutes to reflect on what went right.
Say thank you - out loud or silently. To a friend, your body, your morning cup of tea, the sun on your face.
Pray or meditate with gratitude. Whether it’s spiritual or mindful, focusing on appreciation creates calm and connection.
My Personal Gratitude List
This year, I’m especially grateful for:
My family - loving, supportive, and, if I do say so, pretty adorable.
Living in Colorado, where the outdoors are always waiting to recharge me.
My body, which continues to surprise me with its resilience.
My work - every single day I get to witness people healing, growing, and finding their balance.
I mean, really…I get paid to poke people with needles and make them feel better. That’s a gift I’ll never take for granted.
Your Turn
As we head into the holidays, I’d love to know: what are you grateful for right now?
Stop by the clinic and add your note to our gratitude jar - let’s fill it to the brim again this year and spread a little extra warmth and joy throughout our community.
