Practicing Gratitude with Fibromyalgia

"Don't be sorry for me. Fibromyalgia is the best thing that ever happened to me." This may seem like a radical statement, and I know most of you aren't in this space yet, but even small gestures of gratitude can make a big difference. A growing body of research shows that people who practice gratitude are more optimistic and have greater satisfaction in their lives. They have been shown to make fewer visits to the doctor and have improved immune system responses. More than just a Thanksgiving observance, counting your blessings and giving thanks can make a difference all year long.

Key Points

• A growing body of research shows that an attitude of gratitude benefits our physical body.
• Where you place your focus is where your life will flow. This is a basic law of the universe. This is part of the law of attraction. We also find it in the Bible.
• It's hard to count our blessings when fibromyalgia feels like an endless taking away of things, but we do have a choice.
• The three general guidelines for developing a gratitude practice *plus* three practical ideas to help you get started PLUS an advanced bonus tip for those ready to take their gratitude practice to the next level.
• Keep in mind that you are creating a habit—one that will pay dividends for the rest of your life.

Links & Resources

• FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, links to the studies referenced in this episode, submit your questions for Tami Stackelhouse, and schedule a free consultation with a Fibromyalgia Coach.
• Get a free copy of Tami's book, Take Back Your Life: Find Hope and Freedom From Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Pain at FibromyalgiaPodcast.com/books.

Research Studies

• A number of studies on gratitude conducted by Dr. Robert Emmons can be found by visiting this link on Google Scholar.
• McCullough, M. E., and R. A. Emmons. "Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 84.2 (2003): 377-389.
• Nes, Lise Solberg, Suzanne C. Segerstrom, and Sandra E. Sephton. "Engagement and arousal: Optimism's effects during a brief stressor." Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin 31.1 (2005): 111-120.
• Sansone, Randy A., and Lori A. Sansone. "Gratitude and well being: The benefits of appreciation." Psychiatry (Edgmont) 7.11 (2010): 18.
• "In Praise of Gratitude.", Harvard Health Publishing (2019)