The power of saying thank you and being truly grateful is immense and has meaning and health benefits too.
The power of saying "thank you" and being grateful is real. These words are iterated thousands of times by each of us every year and even daily. Surveys indicate that 6 times per day is the average number of time each of us says, "thank you". But how often do we says those words or express gratitude with thought and meaning?
I like to think of the new year in terms of beginnings and real actions rather than in terms of lists or bullet points so often published, quickly read and, as quickly forgotten. Perhaps reflecting on something simple, like gratitude, provides a positive path as we welcome the new year.
The act of being grateful and expressing our appreciation to those in our lives has impact and is too often forgotten. For some of us it is almost "hard" to say thank you and express heartfelt emotions because we might feel exposed or even vulnerable. But why? I say give it a try in an honest way with simple words. It might be the best gift you can give to someone and it might also be the best gift you can give to yourself.
Studies actually indicate that being grateful and expressing gratitude has positive impact on our mental health and, those who show gratitude have reduced depression, anxiety and stress while having positive benefits on our relationships. Read more about gratitude benefits in this article by UCLA Health.
Interestingly, the word for thank you in Italian, grazie, the plural of grazia which in Italian means grace. The meaning of grace also embraces favor, pardon and mercy. All words that tie us to each other, and remind us of important aspects of healthy, meaningful relationships.
As 2025 dawns, I am encouraging myself to examine the power of thank you. Not in a pedestrian way that is formal, but with real reflection to the gratitude I feel for those I cherish and, to those, who every day and in simple ways make my life better. I include individuals who for example take extra time or care in a store to offer assistance, the trash collectors whose work to make our spaces cleaner: some examples of so many who deserve and merit sincere gratitude.
I will also start the year being grateful for everyday activities that bring me joy, from riding my bike and experiencing nature to gratitude for the many intangibles that surround me and which I too often take for granted.
May 2025 be one of peace and gratitude for each of you. Thank you for your support and for you kindness. I am truly grateful!
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Domenico Praticò, MD, holds the position of the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation Chair for Alzheimer’s Research and serves as a Professor and the Founding Director of the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple, as well as a Professor of Neural Sciences at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
For more information on the research conducted by Dr. Domenico Pratico, please visit this link.
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Stay updated with the work happening at Dr. Domenico Pratico's lab by visiting the Pratico Lab website.
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