“We acknowledge that other people – or even higher powers, if you’re of a spiritual mindset – gave us many gifts, big and small, to help us achieve the goodness in our lives.” ~Robert Emmons

In the Honey Good community, we talk a lot about gratitude. But what is it really and how can it be used to actually boost our health? Let’s break it down on this beautiful Saturday morning!

What Gratitude Means

The world’s leading scientific expert on gratitude, Robert Emmons, defines the subject as having two parts. He says that one: gratitude is an affirmation of goodness, whether you’re giving a gift or through the benefits you receive. The second part of his definition is that gratitude is figuring out where that goodness comes from because by recognizing the source as being outside of ourselves, we’re showing a humble dependence on others.

So as you can imagine, darlings, in reading this, I got to thinking. How could I take more time each day to show gratitude, a practice that’s good for the mind, body, and soul? That’s when I turned to gratitude journaling.

The Power of Gratitude Journaling

Gratitude is an incredible connection point between people but it also helps you to live in the present moment and take in the beauty of the small things around you. Don’t just take it from me! There have been studies performed that show that people who regularly use a gratitude journal also have:

• Stronger immune systems
• Lower blood pressure
• More restful sleep
• More energy
• Higher levels of positive emotions and joy
• Fewer feelings of loneliness and isolation

So now you may be asking yourself, “How do I start?” Luckily, the answer is simple!

Just start writing it all down! Make a list of things you’re grateful for each day when you wake up or before your head hits the pillow each night. Some days, the things you’re grateful for might look similar to your list from the day before, but that’s okay! Using a five-minute journal like this one can also help guide you.

What do you think? Would you give this new habit a try?

The Week in Review

How  – And When – to Voice Disapproval

I have a friend whose constant chattering sometimes drives me to distraction, but I do not voice my disapproval.

And yet, on other more crucial topics, I sometimes feel I must say something.

The question is how, and when, must we speak up when we disapprove? Plus, above all, how can we let kindness and self-love guide whatever decisions we make? This week I shared my story… Read on!

Blooming With You on Facebook Live

I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to open up my home to you this week. I wish I could meet you all in person, but Facebook Live is a great way to start a discussion. Did you catch this week’s event?

If not, have no fear! You can always go to my Facebook page to tune in or you can join the conversation over on the blog. It’s STILL not too late, and I would love to hear your thoughts on the exciting announcements I made. Did you miss them? Read the story!

Are Sugar And Spice Really “Everything” Nice?

Have you ever longed for more female friendships? Girlfriends offer so much love and laughter to our lives, and I’ve said it time and time again that women need other women, so we should be building each other up.

But what is it about women, even from a very young age, that sometimes makes us turn on each other?

I’ve done some research of my own, and here’s what I found out… Read the story!

How Shelly and I Start the Day With a Hearty Breakfast and Good Vibes

This week, I shared how a simple morning routine makes a BIG difference in how Shelly and I start the day and seize adventure at every turn.

Here’s a hint: It starts with a hearty new breakfast cereal, but it ends with Shelly and I taking a big juicy bite out of life! Read here.

Preparing for National Lipstick Day (It’s Tomorrow, Darlings!)

Do you ever find that you’re spending too much time trying to find that mysterious fountain of youth? Stop right there!

Even though we can’t get the years back, we can do other things to nourish our youthful souls.

One of the things I’m referring to is revamping our makeup routine… and just in time for National Lipstick Day! This is such a fun holiday but one brand, in particular, is taking it quite seriously. See what I mean when you read the story!

When One Door Closes, Another One Opens: Meet My New Pup!

My Ultimate Concierge and I were heartbroken when it was time to say goodbye to our dear pooch, Orchid Good.

However, we have begun the healing process and we are excited to announce a new little puppy has serendipitously come into our lives. We could not be more excited!

Today, I’m sharing our journey through grief and joy as one chapter ends and another begins. And while no pup will ever replace Orchid in our hearts, this photo of our new little one had our hearts bursting with joy… Read the story!

Tell Me About Your Week!

Please share your thoughts with me via Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or in the comments section below.

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