Tomorrow is one of America’s most beloved holidays: Thanksgiving. And what’s not to love, between the amazing table of food, the nap afterwards, the bringing out of all the best family board games, and so on? A personal favorite memory of mine is finishing the amazing homemade feast my family made and helping with the clean up only to enter the living room and find it filled with snoring sleepers in various reclined positions. (But of course hearing my grandma yell at my grandpa for his use of an adjective to get double points in Scattergories is a close second).
There are so many specific traditions that go along with this particular Thursday in the US. And while Thanksgiving might not be globally celebrated, thanksgiving (with a lowercased ‘t’) can certainly be globally practiced. Ultimately it’s the spirit of the holiday that makes it so special—but the food coma is definitely a plus. (Check out our recipe section if you want some inspiration!)
In the midst of the challenges that we have been faced with over the past year, the habit of reminding ourselves of the positive things is more important now than ever. And that is why below you can find a compilation of tips for giving thanks on Thanksgiving and everyday afterwards.
Keep a gratitude journal
One great way to practice thankfulness throughout the year is by keeping a gratitude journal. This doesn’t have to be something you write in everyday (though it’s a good habit to get into), but jotting down a list of 3-5 things that you appreciate when you have a bit of time can really help you to maintain a positive and grateful mindset in your life. One way to reflect on those things you might normally take for granted is by imagining what your life would be like without them. Focusing on depth over breadth is another important tip when keeping a gratitude journal. Really meditate on the ways that those things that you are grateful for have impacted your life rather than compiling an exhaustive list.
Practice mindfulness
There are countless mindfulness exercises that help you to become more inwardly aware, and thus, better connect with your outer environment. One mindfulness exercise that can generate a thankful mindset is by focusing on our senses. By tapping into our ability to touch, see, smell, taste, and hear, we can more fully appreciate of what it means to be human and how truly miraculous it is that we are alive. When we have a grateful mindset, the body is not something to be taken for granted, but a gift. And that inner peace we fill will be outwardly projected in our daily life.
Don’t forget about the hard times
While this one might seem counterintuitive at first, it actually is an important part of staying grateful. When we remember the hard times we go through, it can give us a clear sense of perspective later on. The oil stain on your favorite pair of jeans will always pale in comparison to the serious illness you or a family member suffered from in the past. We must not loose sight of what we have gone through, because that puts us in danger of forgetting how much we have to be thankful for in the current moment.
Use visuals triggers
Surround yourself with photos of the people you love and the things you enjoy, at work, at home, and on your mobile device. When we use visual reminders of the things that make us happy, it helps to trigger feelings of love, joy, and gratefulness. If possible, don’t only stop at pictures! Spend time together with those that you are thankful for and the things that make you happy. The less time you spend in an environment that makes you unhappy, stressed, or frustrated, the better.
Ask yourself these three questions…
“What have I received today?”
“What have I given today?”
“What troubles and difficulties have I caused?”
These questions are part of a meditation technique called Naikan and they can really help you to lead a more meaningful life of thankfulness and self awareness. You could even incorporate this meditation into your gratefulness journal. Looking back on your answers to these questions can help you to be aware of how you been impacted by others and vice versa over time. It’s a wonderful way to be reminded of the many reasons to be thankful.
Now that have the tools to cultivate a mind of thanks, give it…
The best part of having a thankful mindset is showing it by telling others why you appreciate them! And there are certainly plenty of creative ways to do so. Call or FaceTime them. Write them a card, a meaningful text, or send an email. Spend some quality time with them, if possible. Go out of your way to get them something you know they love, whether it’s as simple as their favorite gum, or a batch of your homemade cookies. Knowing how much you are appreciated is a very special feeling, and while it might be easy to assume that others know how much we appreciate them, it’s important to say it (however creatively you want) every once in a while.
While the traditions of Thanksgiving are special and loved, the importance of thanksgiving transcends the twenty-four hour calendar day. Share which tip for staying thankful resonated with you most in the comments below!
1 Comment
Monica
November 25, 2020 at 11:03 pmThese are all so wonderful. Don’t forgot the hards times and practice mindfullness are two of my favorites you talk about. I so often forget to do that. I love that one.
I love reading your writing and cannot wait to have you home!!!!!
love Mom