With another Thanksgiving behind us, this is a reminder to be grateful each day and not just on Thanksgiving. Make gratitude a daily practice because when we appreciate what we have, we open ourselves to more things to be thankful for. This helps me to stay grounded, as well as lifts my spirits. It also helps minimize my worries because I’m focused on what I have instead of what I lack.
Not too long ago, I was feeling a little down. I wasn’t focusing on my blessings and realized what I was missing was gratitude. Then I reflected on how I felt just a year ago, when so many things had fallen into place for me. At the time (and for a while thereafter), I was grateful beyond measure. I felt joy and was in awe of landing a new job, finding a new apartment and relocating — all in a short period of time. Within a year of moving, I even got married (during the time of Corona) — yet another reason for me to be grateful. And, it’s not just these major events that I’m thankful for.
There is something to be grateful for each day no matter how big or small. In addition to our basic needs being met, we can appreciate something new or small or different. It can be anything we acknowledge. Maybe it’s the weather, admiring the beautiful scenery during a walk (or drive), catching up with a friend, enjoying a good laugh (or a good cry), acting silly without feeling self-conscious or just doing something… anything fun. The list goes on and will likely be different for each individual.
Even in challenging times, we can find something to be grateful for if we look for it. Practicing gratitude won’t make problems disappear, but it can make them more manageable. When we take a moment to acknowledge what we’re thankful for, we will likely find even more blessings.
