It is hard to be unhappy and grateful at the same time. I heard this over 42 years ago at a very low point in my life. I was in my early 30s and was sad and lonely. As I began to work my way out of the deep hole, a person I asked to help me suggested I take time each morning to write down three things from the previous day that I was grateful for. I did not think much of the suggestion; however, I was desperate. I had even said to the person that I would do anything to not feel this way. He reminded me of this statement when I balked at his request.

The gratitude list was hard at first, but it soon became a regular practice. It seems my friend was ahead of his time. Today, research on the power of gratitude shows all kinds of benefits. Outcomes include better sleep, less anxiety and stress, and a boost in happiness. Gratitude helps build better relationships and increases resilience. It can improve physical health through reduced blood pressure and increased immune function. Consistent practice of gratitude can lead to lasting changes in the brain’s reward pathways and create more positive thought patterns.

Being thankful and appreciative is powerful in various aspects of life. It will not solve every issue. When we lose someone we love, we will be sad. However, a focus on being grateful for the time we had with them may help reduce that pain.

Gratitude rewires my brain each morning. Yes, I still do the list my friend suggested. In fact, I have a gratitude group in which we share our lists. Reading other lists is helpful.

My friends Drs. Trzeciak and Mazzarelli wrote a book called Wonder Drug: 7 Scientifically Proven Ways That Serving Others Is the Best Medicine for Yourself. I believe in the power of serving others. I believe gratitude is also a wonder drug.

In fact, the two are closely linked. When we practice gratitude, it often moves us to serve. When we serve, we discover even more to be grateful for.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This is the perfect quote for Thanksgiving, as people reach out in so many ways to help others have a meal, feel love, and know they are not forgotten.

Here are some tips to keep in mind this week:

Keep your own gratitude list. In my book The Calling: Why Healthcare Is So Special, there are lined pages in the back so readers can list items they’re grateful for.

Journal. Write down things you are grateful for.

Start meetings with gratitude. Take time to ask each person to share something they are grateful for. One Thanksgiving, one of my daughters had our family do this at the dinner table. It was an amazing experience and made a difference. Do the same at your work or community meetings. I find doing this before a meeting creates a very positive feeling in the group.

Say thank you. Send people notes expressing your gratitude for them. If you have a child or grandchild in school, take time to thank their teachers. I coauthored a book with Dr. Janet Pilcher, The Extraordinary Gift: Our Teachers,that is meant to be a way to thank educators. It’s available at StuderEducation.com/Books/. All proceeds from this book go toward helping schools be the best they can be.

Find a way to be of service. Notice how it makes you feel. Did your gratitude increase?

In The Calling, the first page states, “A heart full of gratitude has little room for anything else.” Thank you for providing room for me on this journey of life we are on together. I am grateful.