Habit Healing Transformations

Thankful

Fall—the leaves are turning, it is sometimes cooler, and the holidays are just around the corner. In the United States, Fall is the season of Thanksgiving. As we approach Thanksgiving, many of us will gather around a table and give thanks. I will be giving thanks for my daughter and granddaughter’s love, having met the man who is my soulmate, my new friends Lena, Sharon Hathaway Mary, Lanier and Michael. I will express appreciation for the tried and true friendships of Jan, Joyce, Kim, Diane and Alicia. Then there is the gratitude for my life and its many blessings; my good health, the love of family and friends, the joy I receive from writing and coaching others on their life’s journey. Giving thanks and having gratitude can have a profound impact on your life. When my mother passed away in June, I was able to use gratitude to help me through the grief. I was thankful I had the means to travel to see her. I was grateful I was able to spend a week with her before she passed away. I was grateful she was no longer in pain, and I was grateful for the relaxed COVID restrictions so I could be with her and my sister.

Gratitude is a noun defined as the quality of being thankful. Thankful is an adjective defined as conscious of the benefit received. As you approach this season of Thanksgiving and into the December holidays, I am suggesting that this is the perfect time to start your gratitude practice. A daily practice of gratitude is beneficial to our mental and physical health. If you are sad, take a moment to give thanks. It A white paper prepared for the John Templeton Foundation by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley May 2018 is almost impossible to simultaneously The Science of Gratitude be sad and thankful. When we are appreciated, we feel closer to those who express appreciation. When we have gratitude for the basics of food, water and Written by Summer Allen, Ph.D. ggsc.berkeley.edu greatergood.berkeley.edu shelter, we feel safe. When we express gratitude for the love in our lives, we are moved by the connection to those we love. Of course, we know this in our gut but if you need science to validate this perception, here it is: https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/ images/uploads/GGSC-JTF_White_Paper-Gratitude-FINAL.pdf

I have had a practice of keeping a journal for most of my life. Of course, I didn’t always include gratitude in my daily writing. My first exposure to the concept was Sara Ban Breathnach’s Simple Abundance Journal. Now of course there are thousands of journals available. It is not necessary to purchase one of these journals. All you need is somewhere to write down what you appreciate today.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. I appreciate this opportunity to share my perspective.

Sharon Hathaway

Certified Health and Life Coach. Sharon@habitgems.com

GUIDELINES FOR KEEPING A GRATITUDE JOURNAL

1. BE CONSISTENT. Make time in your morning or evening routine to write daily. 2. KEEP A HANDWRITTEN JOURNAL FOR THIS PRACTICE. There is much science to support writing as a connection we need to process and absorb information. (www. clearvuehealth.com/writingtyping) 3. HAVING TROUBLE GETTING STARTED? USE PROMPTS OR CATEGORIES. What is one thing I appreciate about, my spouse, my coworkers, the weather, my health etc. 4. USE “I AM” STATEMENTS. I am grateful for... 5. ONCE YOU ESTABLISH THIS PRACTICE, DELVE DEEPER. Feeling the experience and connecting with yourself is the goal. 6. BE POSITIVE. No matter how difficult your circumstances we can find something to appreciate.

Sharon Hathaway is a Certified Health and Life Coach specializing in weight loss, stress reduction and lifestyle changes. She uses a habit healing method of curated information, empowerment and support to inspire her clients to successfully make lasting changes in their lives. For more information or to schedule an Individual Discover Session or group event, email Sharon@habitgems.com.

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More than an agent— A NEIGHBOR

What makes an insurance agent special? A passion for helping others and a commitment to the community he or she serves. That is how Ashley Boyette—State Farm agent views her role. She is a small business owner and State Farm agent serving all of Effingham County.

Ashley Boyette and her team understand that their clients need to find the best and most affordable insurance and financial services possible. Specializing in all types of insurance and financial planning, they treat every customer like they would treat their own families.

They let the needs of the customer guide the recommendations and advice they provide. They strive to protect families and help them plan for the future. Ashley says, “I love this community because it is very

welcoming. We are also made up of organizations that want to help others. Whether it is children’s sports programs or the Manna House, we all come together to help each other. I am very proud to be part of this great community.”

Ashley also loves spending time with her own family. She has two little boys and loves watching them learn karate. She also loves the outdoors and even doing yard work! If you need insurance, financial planning advice or just a friendly face, stop by Ashley Boyette’s office. You will be glad you did.

912-826-1029