Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It's about family and being thankful. And food. You might be surprised, too, when you find that gratitude helps finances.
I love Thanksgiving. Instead of exchanging gifts, family and friends come together to share a meal, make memories, and be joyful. (At least, that's the theory.) To me, it's always been the final day before we plunge into the crass commercialism that often marks the holiday season.
Gratitude in your life isn't just nice for one day, though. The act of being thankful and practicing gratitude can actually help your finances.
Contentment = Less Desire for More Things
First of all, gratitude tends to come with feelings of contentment. When you're content, the desire for more things is lower.
I know that when I am content with my life, retail therapy isn't needed.
Gratitude helps us recognize what we already have and encourages us to be thankful. When we recognize what we have and we are happy with it, there isn't as great a need to spend money in an attempt to fill that void.
It's easy to see how gratitude helps finances when you aren't spending on fripperies that end up costing you a lot more in the end.
Better Health = Lower Costs
Gratitude can also result in better health outcomes. Gratitude lowers stress levels and can improve your well-being.
And, as we know, healthcare is a huge cost in this country. Adding thankfulness to your life can improve your health and save money on healthcare costs. There's a practical way gratitude helps finances!
Plus, you have the bonus of a higher quality of life.
Generosity = Smarter Spending
Giving away money can make you better at managing it.
It's true!
When you're grateful, you're more likely to live generously. And I've noticed in my own life that I tend to have better finances when I live life generously.
Some might say that it has something to do with a Law of Attraction, Karma, or something similar. And maybe it does.
But on a boring, practical level, I know that because I prioritize charitable giving, it forces me to look at my finances, manage my money, and make sure I can do what I want with my money. Understanding my values, and making sure my financial priorities match up, leaves my finances in better shape.
When you spend according to your values and when you have a plan, your finances are almost always helped.
Gratitude helps finances in ways that are very real.
Have you noticed this in your own life? How has gratitude helped your finances??
