On Gratitude: How to feel Thanksgiving all year round
I want to pause my blog series on grief to acknowledge the beautiful holiday upon us. Thanksgiving. Just the word embodies everything I believe so profoundly in – gratitude and giving thanks. While many of my readers will struggle with feelings of grief over this holiday, I invite you to find a moment to be thankful.
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. ~ Epictetus
You’ll no doubt go around the table at Thanksgiving and share what you’re grateful for. Your family, your health, your partner or friends, fulfilling work, your dog, freedom to live or work where you want, enough money to take care of yourself and loved ones.
How do you feel when you do that? Happy, satisfied, at peace? Feels pretty good, doesn’t it?
Why is it smart to be thankful in all seasons?
Because it makes our worries, our concerns that we see as big, suddenly seem smaller. Yes, counting our blessings gives us the gift of perspective.
If you’re feeling low or even depressed, it will elevate your mood. It lowers anxiety.
Do you ever have a moment where you feel sorry for yourself, that you haven’t had your fair share in life? It doesn’t feel very good. Well, gratitude will remind you of all the good in your life.
And here’s a big one – being grateful is an antidote to anger.
Acknowledging your blessings gives you direct access to what really matters, allowing you the opportunity to laser focus on where to spend your energy. It’s vital if you want a full, extraordinary life. A meaningful life.
It will light you up.
Bring to mind that feeling you experience around the holiday table.
How would you like to have that feeling after Thanksgiving is over?
The easiest way to do this is to establish a practice of gratitude. It is so simple, and the payoff is huge. It only takes a few minutes. Are you willing to spend a few minutes to invest in your well-being? To have a better mood and greater peace of mind?
Here are some simple techniques to help get you started:
1. Commit to doing it every day. No matter what.
2. Pick your method. You can say it to yourself; out loud if you want the full effect. You can write in a journal. If you do that, use one that you absolutely love. Or you can use a gratitude jar where you place your blessings you write on slips of paper.
3. Choose a time of day that works best for you to get still and enjoy the moment.
If you try one method and you don’t get that joyful, my ‘heart is full’ feeling, it’s okay. Try another way. You’ll know the one that works for you because you’ll notice how you feel afterward, right away, and later in the day. You’ll just feel happier, lighter. Like when you feel the warmth of the sun on your face or hear one of your favorite songs.
One final tip – gratitude can be shared. If you’re thankful for someone in your life, tell them how much you appreciate them, or go even further and tell them exactly why you’re thankful. Give them that special gift that doesn't cost you anything. Feeling appreciated is one of the most special moments I’ve ever experienced, and maybe your expression of gratitude will inspire others to build this practice into their lives as well.
I am grateful for what I am and have . My Thanksgiving is perpetual. ~ Thoreau