Being thankful: Holidays are great times to do something for others Published Nov. 25, 2014 By Kimberly Woodruff Staff Writer TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- It's the special time of year set aside to give thanks for many blessings, whether they are family, friends, employment, health, wealth or otherwise. "Being thankful crosses every line of distinction in the human experience," said Chaplain (Maj.) Sam Tucker, 72nd Air Base Wing Chapel. "Everyone is thankful for something." Chaplain Tucker said as a country, Americans have a lot to be thankful for and being grateful and thankful is an expression of resiliency. "Not only are we thankful, but irrespective of our own merit, it levels the playing field," said Chaplain (Capt.) William Mesaeh. "In Christian tradition we aren't earning God's love, so we need to reciprocate in the same way without other people having to earn it from us." "I love to do something good for someone without them knowing who did it," said Chaplain Tucker. "Helping someone else can help us understand what it means to be thankful -- we are thankful for the opportunity to help." The chaplains wondered if it is really a day of thanksgiving. There are so many who hold on to the belief that they made it all on their own. Sometimes it is hard to grasp thankfulness when people are caught up in narcissistic thinking. "The calendar defines the fact that we are not loners," said Chaplain Mesaeh. "We can pause to say 'thank you.'" Chaplain Tucker said there is a common denominator with people who are thankful. "They have a deeper spiritual life and a connection to something bigger than themselves," he said. "Life has meaning and purpose -- it can bring you to your knees." Chaplain Mesaeh agreed and quoted Zig Ziegler who said, "The best way to get what you want is to help someone else get what they want." "Those who have a sense of purpose are thankful," said Chaplain Tucker. There are health benefits to being thankful and having what Chaplain Tucker called an attitude of gratitude. People who are thankful have been known to have less stress, better sleep, stronger personal relationships and lower blood pressure. Better health leads to a stronger resilience to life's ups and downs. How can you begin to be more thankful? · Work to find the good in every situation · Keep a gratitude journal -- write down something you're thankful for each week · Write thank-you letters -- acknowledge a kind act or gift · Accept gifts from others -- you are worthy of love and kindness · Give back and pay it forward--if someone has helped you, pay it forward by helping someone else.