January is National Thank You Month—a great way to start out the year. As we move into 2018, it’s worthwhile to reflect on the blessings of the past year. Being grateful isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good for us. Science has shown that people who express gratitude regularly enjoy better mental and physical health.
At Ramos & Law, we are thankful for those who have fought for equitable workers’ compensation policies to protect America’s labor force. Back in the twentieth century, a group of authors known as “muck-rakers” wrote passionately about the difficulties faced by workers of the day. Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle” was one of the most well-known works by these authors. It exposed American readers to the unthinkable conditions endured by immigrant workers laboring in Chicago slaughterhouses.
(Pixabay / GingerQuip)
Since these early literary protests, many reform-minded Americans have fought for legislation to protect the rights of workers. Today’s workers’ compensation system is far from perfect, but we are grateful for the advances that have been made. If people can navigate the system well, often with the help of a lawyer, they have a way to receive adequate compensation and medical attention.
In the spirit of thanks, we would like to share a few of our favorite practices for showing gratitude for the people who have improved the quality of our lives.
- Write a thank you note. In the digital age, the tradition of sending a hand-written note of gratitude is slipping into obsolescence. At Ramos & Law, however, we still value this practice as a way to formally express thanks to those who sacrifice time and talents for our benefit.
- Give a gift.You don’t have to spend a lot of money, but a plate of cookies left on someone’s doorstep or a new office supply placed on the desk of a co-worker with a note of thanks can mean a great deal.
- Write it down. Experts recommend keeping a journal by your bed and recording a few of the things that you are thankful for at the end of each day.
- Say it. It’s easy to get in such a rush that we forget to say the words “thank you.” Make it a habit to say thanks—even for the littlest things in life. A well-placed compliment can also make a big difference in letting others know that we appreciate them.