Giving Thanks – The Benefits of Practicing Gratitude Are Endless

As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends, we should take time to notice and reflect upon the things we’re thankful for. Research links gratitude to experiencing more positive emotions, feeling more alive, sleeping better, expressing more compassion and kindness and having a stronger immune system.

Whether it’s special relationships or moments that might otherwise go unnoticed – a beautiful sunset, a child’s toothy grin, an outing with friends or a cozy bed to rest in – taking time to savor them will make us happier and healthier.

As we began the holiday season, we asked our Wayne UNC Health Care teammates to weigh in on what makes them feel thankful this Thanksgiving. The holidays are the perfect time to not only be grateful for all that we have, but to also reflect on and support those who are in need.

From our family to yours: Happy Thanksgiving! 

“I thank God for my marriage to Rudy Sylvester Dove on July 4, 1982. I never would have thought that I would be a widow at such a young age when Rudy died on April 17, 1990. In this time span, we were blessed with two sons, Antoine, now 33, who was four and Brandon, now 30, who was one when he died.

I am so thankful to have a part of him with me always in my sons. They are a delight to me, and I truly cherish all the memories we make and have together. Rudy would have been so proud of our fine young men and the blessing of our three grandbabies: Madison (6), Brandon, Jr. (3) and Ava (2). I am truly thankful for all of them!”

—Bernadette Dove, Supervisor, Environmental Services

“First and foremost, I am thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ. He has been so faithful to me over the years. I’m grateful for a loving husband to be (only 4 more weeks!!!). He encourages me daily and truly is a gift from God.

I’m thankful for a loving and supportive family that I can always depend on to be there for me. I’m thankful for my nursing career and the opportunity to help and serve others on a daily basis. I’m thankful for my health. I’m thankful for some of the best friends who will show up at a minute’s notice if I needed them.

I’m thankful for this hospital and the positive changes I’ve seen over the past couple of years. I’ve worked here for almost 15 years now, and I plan to hang around another 15 years.”

—Emily Bailey, RN, BSN, Peri-Anesthesia

“I’ve always loved that Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving occur in the same month.  Growing up as a military brat, I was surrounded by brave men and women who sacrificed so much: their comfort and freedom, family time and a few who I had the privilege to know sacrificed their lives to protect the rights and freedoms that all Americans enjoy.  To say that I learned thankfulness at an early age would be an understatement.

I am so thankful to live in country with such brave men and women who serve in the military, in addition to so many civilians who support our military members fervently.  I am thankful that we have the freedoms that we have in this country which are, sadly, not universal across the world and, in fact, may be considered rare.

So, this Thanksgiving, like all Thanksgivings before, I remember the sacrifices made by our brave military men and women so that we can enjoy this holiday season without fear of persecution.”

—Erin Bott, DPT