By Kent Williams
Here’s a way to start the new year with new resolve while extending the feelings of gratitude felt during the Christmas season.
Just say, “Thank you.”
After all, January is National Thank You Month, a period in which we are encouraged to express our gratitude. An attitude of gratitude can possibly help with those New Year’s resolutions to eat right, exercise or embark on other self-improvement goals.
Research suggests being thankful can benefit for your physical and mental health as well as improve your social life. For instance, studies show those who express gratitude have fewer stress-related ailments such as headaches and stomach pain, experience less depression and sleep better.
In addition, various studies show gratitude can promote better relationships, result in more exercise and improve heart health.
“There do appear to exist benefits to regularly focusing on one’s blessings,” according to a 2003 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
“The advantages are most pronounced when compared with a focus on hassles or complaints, yet are still apparent in comparison with simply reflecting the major events in one’s life, on ways in which one believes one is better off than comparison with others, or with a control group,” according to the study.
Besides helping ourselves, our gratitude can be a blessing to others, experts say. While out shopping or dining at a fast food restaurant, offer a “Thank you” to the clerk or cashier who assisted you.
And, your expressions of thankfulness can be as creative as you are. Some of the suggestions offered by experts include:
-Keeping a gratitude journal and keep track of things for which you are thankful on a daily basis.
-Sending a note, email or card to someone to express your gratitude for something to person did.
-Doing something nice for someone else to show your appreciation.
No matter how you express it – or in what language you say it – saying “thank you” can be a blessing to those around you and help you.
Gratitude is a wonderful attitude. So, let me thank you for allowing me to represent you in the S.C. Senate.

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As with all matters concerning state government, I want to hear your opinions and suggestions concerning these issues.
Please contact me in my Columbia office located at 608 Gressette Office Building. You can reach me, or a member of my staff in Columbia at (803) 212-6000 or by fax at (803) 212-6011.
My district office is located at 1305 North Main Street, Marion, SC 29571, the phone number is (843) 423-8237 and the fax number is (843) 431-6049.
You may also email me at kentwilliams@scsenate.gov. My business phone is (843) 423-3904.
Please use this information to write, call or e-mail me with your suggestions and concerns regarding issues before the Senate and in our community.