Author: Allison Foss, Executive Director of the MGA
It’s November, and chances are you are seeing more of the word “gratitude” pop up on TV commercials and your social media feeds. You’ve probably even noticed we are also taking a stab at sharing more gratitude on our social media posts. Why, you ask? In part, it seems tradition to give gratitude during November in preparation for Thanksgiving. Anybody else go around the table to share what they are grateful for with family and friends? But we also can’t fail to mention the positive effect giving gratitude can have on health and wellness.
According to a 2012 study by the University of Kentucky, published in Forbes in 2014, giving gratitude can enhance empathy, reduce aggression, improve sleep, decrease depression, and can reduce aches and pains for those who practice gratitude on a regular basis. Sounds like a relatively easy prescription to enhance your health, huh?
Nevertheless, as someone who faces MG day in and day out with all of you, there are moments when I feel it would be easier to be a grump and be ungrateful. There is no denying it stinks living with a debilitating illness.
But then I think of the world and how much better off it would be if we all took baby steps in gratitude. In the past, I have conducted presentations on “Living Your Best Life with MG,” often referencing the book, “29 Gifts” by Cami Walker. In a nutshell, Walker practices giving gratitude for 29 straight days and what she notices about her health as she battles multiple sclerosis. While that may sound daunting to some, I think there are incredibly simple things we can all be grateful for such as having enough soap to wash your hands (um, hello COVID-19!), a person holding the door open for you, having your dog use the outdoor facilities instead of your favorite rug (I am incredibly grateful for this!), a friend bringing you baked goods, or a medical professional seeing you in a timely manner. Giving gratitude and saying thank you are virtually free; it doesn’t cost you anything to have gratitude.
A few years ago, I asked a room full of people living with MG what the best thing about MG was. Of course, that question was followed up with, “what is the worst thing about having MG?”
The room grew quiet. I’m pretty sure a handful of them thought I was crazy as many did not answer the question. To ignite the discussion, I stated, “I’m grateful for my health. Having MG has introduced me to so many people I would not know otherwise and I know things could be much worse.” I firmly believe that. It’s kind of like looking at the glass half full or half empty. There is good in every little thing.
So, call me weird, call me crazy, but one of my most favorite things is to hear what others are grateful for. It brings a smile to my face and reminds me of the things I’m grateful for in my own life. It sparks connections with people you never knew you had. “Oh, so chicken strips are your child’s favorite food? Mine too!” It lightens the world and takes a load off your shoulders.
What are you grateful for this year?
#MGA #MyastheniaGravisAssociation #MGADigest #MGStrong #MyastheniaGravis #ChronicIllness #RareDisease #AutoimmuneDisease #NeuromuscularDisease #60thBirthday
This blog post was written by Allison Foss, Executive Director of the Myasthenia Gravis Association.
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