Start the Year with the Practice of Gratitude!

Eating healthier and losing weight are often listed as new year ‘s resolutions. This year consider an alternative – a focus on gratitude. Make gratitude a word for the year. A reminder to be grateful for the things in your life, large and small. The practice of being grateful has been shown to improve well-being and it is free, unlike a gym membership, and easy to start, unlike a diet. There is no wrong way to begin. Take your everyday life and begin the practice of being grateful. You can choose to write down what you are grateful for once a week, or daily.

If you look for the bad, you will find it. Anthony Rella, a mental health counselor in North Seattle, calls gratitude “weightlifting for your brain,” a practice that forces the brain to slow down, do “a few reps, to bring more balance to how you see the world.”

Consider a Spiritual Resolution

If you’re deciding on a new year’s resolution, consider a spiritual resolution of giving your time and talents to serve God through the church. Serving is one of the best and most powerful ways to show our love for God. Westminster offers lots of opportunities to become involved in the church. Not only are you giving to the church, but you will have the opportunity to make new friends. Below are a few opportunities to consider:

• Usher - you will have a chance to welcome and greet our community members while serving on a team once a quarter.

• Welcome Center and/or greeter – a wonderful opportunity to welcome members and visitors.

• Sunday fellowship – arrive around 8:30 to help set out the beverages and donuts – a volunteer opportunity where everyone loves to see you!

Contact Susan Denton at the church to talk through opportunities that match your talents. A place can always be found. You will find this is a true gift of giving that rewards you more than any other.