Happy Veteran’s Day: The Power of Gratitude

ahwcweb
3 days ago
5 min read

As we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation this Veteran’s Day, we’re reminded of the profound power of gratitude—not just as a polite gesture, but as a transformative mindset. In a world that often encourages self-centered pursuits and the relentless chase for personal happiness, gratitude can feel countercultural. Yet for our veterans, gratitude is often the bridge between hardship and healing, between sacrifice and fulfillment.

Let’s explore how cultivating an “attitude of gratitude” can honor their legacy and inspire our own journey toward wholeness.

The Danger of the “All About Me” Mindset

Our culture frequently promotes the idea that life should revolve around personal achievements and pleasures. But this “all about me” focus can be isolating and even harmful. Research shows that excessive self-centeredness leads to increased stress, anxiety, and depression.

Veterans know this truth intimately. Their service exemplifies an other-centered life—one built on duty, sacrifice, and camaraderie. When we shift our focus outward, we begin to experience the healing power of connection and compassion. As Proverbs 11:25 reminds us, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

We Control Our Own Feelings

It’s easy to believe that others are responsible for our emotions; How often do we say, "You made me so mad!" or "You ruined my day"? The truth is, no one can make us mad, glad, angry, or happy. Our feelings are determined by our thoughts, thinking patterns, and perspectives regarding a situation.

Veterans often face emotional challenges—grief, trauma, and transition—but many find strength by reframing their experiences through gratitude.

When we choose to view circumstances through a lens of gratitude, we take control over our emotional responses. This shift in perspective empowers us to rise above immediate frustrations and see the bigger picture. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on the positive: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

God as Our Fullness and Sufficiency

For many veterans, faith is a cornerstone of resilience. Recognizing God as the source of strength and blessings allows us to face adversity with hope and peace and maintain an attitude of gratitude. Whether on the battlefield or in the quiet moments of reflection, trusting in God’s provision and that ALL things work together for our good (Romans 8:28) brings clarity and comfort. God has our back! We find assurance in 2 Corinthians 9:8: “God is able to bless you abundantly… having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” When we anchor our hearts in God’s love, we discover a wellspring of gratitude that overflows into every area of our lives—even in the face of hardship.

Practical Ways to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

Here are a few ways we can honor our veterans and nurture gratitude in our own lives:

Start a Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re thankful for each day. This trains the mind to focus on the positive, and more importantly, avoid negativity.
Live in the Present: Pause throughout the day to appreciate the beauty and blessings around you.
Serve Others: Volunteer at a local veteran’s organization or other organization and simply offer a listening ear. Acts of kindness not only bless others but also deepen your sense of gratitude.
Pray with Thanksgiving: Include expressions of gratitude in your prayers, thanking God for His provision and grace and lift up those who’ve served to bring us the freedom we enjoy in this Great USA!

Gratitude Transforms Lives

Gratitude doesn’t erase life’s difficulties—it reframes them. Choose to focus on the blessings God has given, trusting God, in His infinite wisdom, has eternal plan for you, your loved one, and our veterans. This will enhance our emotional and physical well-being and deepens our relationship with God and others.

On this Veteran’s Day, let’s choose to honor those who’ve given so much by embracing a life of thankfulness. Let’s remember that healing begins when we shift our focus from ourselves to others, and from the temporary to the eternal.

As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 exhorts us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Choose gratitude today, and let it lead you to a life of healing, joy, and fulfillment.

Thank you, Veterans, for your example of selfless service. God Bless America!

Blue Skies,

Dana West, RDN, LD, ACLMDIP

Dana holds a bachelors in Dietetics and is board certified in Lifestyle Medicine, with emphasis in human nutrition, physiology and nutrition education. She is registered with the Commission of Dietetic Registration and is licensed with the state of AR. Dana has a passion for helping people embrace health and conquer disease and has been doing so for nearly 30 years.

She is the co-founder and president of Abundant Health Wellness Center with a goal to help you achieve your best health and the creator of the Start a New YOU!® online program to reverse inflammation so you can start feeling better day by day. She hosts 5-12-day reversing disease immersive health retreats to help you put all the pieces together to experience health now.

Dana has written three books:

Kick-Start to a New YOU: a 10-day Cleanse.
Start a New YOU!® Cookbook: An anti-inflammatory cookbook avoiding common food allergens with a 2-week menu with all the recipes.
Start a New YOU!® Reflections: A health devotional highlighting the Ten Essentials for Health™ that she covers in the Start a New YOU!® Program to reverse inflammation and chronic disease.

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