How to Be Grateful at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day is just a couple weeks away, so it's a good time to talk about gratitude and thankfulness over a slice of pumpkin pie. Gratitude is a simple yet profound emotion that has the power to transform our lives. It's the feeling of thankfulness, an acknowledgment of the good things we have, and a recognition of the kindness and support we receive from God and others, not just a day of Thanksgiving. While it might be easy to take our blessings for granted, practicing gratitude can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life.
Here is the good news: you don't have to wait for a national holiday and everything to be good to begin practicing gratitude. In fact, the practice of gratitude can be the most helpful in some of our darkest times. Paul wrote in his letter to the Thessalonians, “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
How about you? Is thankfulness a daily habit, or just something you do when you don't have to eat sweet potatoes? Do you practice gratitude in both good times and bad? In this article, we will explore the benefits of gratitude and provide some practical tips on how to increase gratitude in your life.
The Benefits of Being Grateful on Thanksgiving
Melinda Beck, wrote about the benefits of gratitude in the Wall Street Journal, “adults who frequently feel more grateful, have more energy, more optimism, more social connections, and more happiness than those who do not. They're also less likely to be depressed, envious, or greedy. They earn more money, sleep more soundly, exercise more regularly, and have greater resistance to illness.” That's a pretty impressive list of benefits. It may be why the Roman philosopher, Cicero, wrote, “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” A spirit of thankfulness can make a difference in every area of your life.
Here are five simple steps to get started or to increase the level of gratitude in your life and not just on a National Holiday:
Keep a Gratitude Journal: Start a daily or weekly gratitude journal to record the things for which you're thankful. Writing down the things you are thankful for can help you focus on the positive aspects of your life. Try to be specific and detailed in your entries.
Shift Your Perspective: When faced with challenges or setbacks, try to reframe your thinking. Instead of dwelling on the negative, focus on what you've learned from the experience or how it has made you stronger. Most every situation can be an opportunity for growth and gratitude.
Express Your Gratitude: Don't keep your gratitude to yourself. Take the time to express your appreciation to those who have helped you or made a positive impact on your life. A simple thank-you note, or a heartfelt conversation can go a long way. This is the perfect time of year to express thankfulness.
Practice Acts of Kindness: Engage in acts of kindness and generosity, like participating in food drives across North America, where 44.2 million homes are food insecure. Giving to others can generate feelings of gratitude and satisfaction. Whether it's volunteering, helping a friend, or donating to a charity, these actions can foster a sense of gratitude and be the best America tradition we can pass along to future generations in the United States.
Meditate on Gratitude: Incorporate gratitude into your meditation or mindfulness practice, moving the needle from Thanksgiving Day to Thanksgiving Days. Spend a few moments each day reflecting on the things for which you're grateful. This can help you become more attuned to the present moment and appreciate the little things in life. This is a much better annual tradition than traditional foods like green bean casserole, wild turkeys, mashed potatoes, and sweet potato casserole.
Can I share with you what I do on Thanksgiving Day?
One of the habits I've practiced over the years is spending some quiet time on Thanksgiving morning expressing my gratitude to God. I start with an empty page, I write down everything I am grateful for as it comes to my mind, and I don't stop until the page is full. Every year this simple exercise fills me with gratitude and prepares my heart for Thanksgiving. Perhaps this is an exercise you'd like to try this year. My hope for you is that you'll realize deep joy and gratitude throughout the whole holiday season. Remember that the counselors and staff at the Renewing Life Center are here to serve you and your family.
Simply call the office at (702) 434-7290 to make your appointment.
Mark Whelchel, M.S., LMFT