By Joy Le page Smith, MA, BCC

Some of us are going through what we are sure are the hardest times of our lives.

What to do when hopes for a loved one to be healed of cancer seem shattered? What to do when life seems to have bottomed out? What to do when the joy of living seems very hard to reach, if not absent.

Turn to “thanks giving!” Believe it or not our bodies have a resource at hand: positivity. For when we make a list of what is good, what is lasting and what has lifted our hearts at various points in our lives something very helpful can take place in our bodies.

Engaging in positive self-talk holds power to trigger the brain to release three chemicals, oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. You could call these “God sends” as they work to provide you with a lift. When this inner trio is activated these chemicals have potential to carry messages between nerve cells in the brain and the body. Harmonious balance, both physically and mentally, may well make considerable difference in your day.

Research these “feel good” chemicals to make this truth your own. Some people need help “getting there.” Reaching where you want to go with this may necessitate the help of a counselor or medical doctor. But see what you can do on your own.

Or, see for yourself: take a blank sheet of paper and pen. Today is Thanksgiving Day. You may be thinking about the goodness in your life, planning to enjoy a satisfying meal–maybe even have intentions for taking a nap. Offered here is a little exercise that may well provide a reoccurring sense of “goodness” in life, or “Godness.”

First, be honest with God. Tell Him what is really hard for you . . . or write Him a letter describing your pain. Pain in life can be huge, or minimal. No matter, this still works. After being as honest with God as possible, start listing those times and things in your life that have brought joy and come to mind right now. For instance, what it felt like to ride a bike, feeling the wind blow through your hair as you freely whizzed down a hill or in other ways had real thrills. Stay with each entry as you revive the sweet moments that come to mind. Maybe recall holding a newborn in your arms. Play with these thoughts and enjoy the moments as you make your list. Noice what you are feeling.

There is power in praise. The Scriptures tell us over and over again to be thankful and to rejoice. (How often do we do that?) Many passages are about offering praise to God. Not because God needs this—rather, because you and I need a frequent, inner charge. This can help get us through the hard stuff in life.

When you offer praise to God for pleasant moments in life you can feel yourself arising within your being. Try it, look for the great sense of being “joined” by memories, yes, but also know God is really there for you. God is love and every time we feel loved—we can sense the goodness of God is present. Sink into it and savor it.

If resistance comes, explore it by writing about what is going on in your brain. Ask God to smooth out your “thinking-wrinkles” so you can move sweetly back into rejoicing over the positives in life–past, current and what you believe may well come for you in the future.

Psalm 103: 1-2, Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits.”

As often as possible, keep a heart full of praise to the Creator who has given life… and sustains it.

About the author: Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain. Her articles and blogs are read in up to-32 countries. Joy’s four books are available on her home page at Healing-with-Joy.com where readers can view FREE her children’s book titled, The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places.