While driving home from a client’s office, I felt some strange symptoms. The kind of symptoms that could mean nothing or could be signs of impending death. The kind of symptoms you would feel foolish wasting the hospital’s time with or could burden your family permanently. What to do?

Luckily, I have a great relationship with a first-rate internist and his office was near the next highway exit. I didn’t go there directly, of course. I telephoned my wife to let her talk me out of being concerned. Instead, she met me at the doctor’s office.

My doctor immediately came out into the waiting room and knelt next to me, taking my pulse and looking into my eyes. I am moved even now to remember his sincere and expert concern. I was very aware in that moment, with my wife holding one hand and my doctor cradling the other, that I was a lucky man. Soon, it was clear that I was also a healthy man.

The next day I brought a flower arrangement to the doctor’s office. I like giving conspicuous gifts, so that the recipient gets to spend the next few days telling everyone that he had been appreciated. He was moved by my gesture and thanked me. As we walked out, he said, “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know I didn’t need to,” I replied, “but I believe that one of the healthiest things a person can do is express gratitude.”

He stopped and looked at me with a contemplative expression. “Yes,” he agreed, “it really is.”

Gratitude is great for you and those around you. Really. You can read the research by clicking here.

I wish you a healthy Thanksgiving. Every day.