The point of Thanksgiving is to remember the things we have
to be grateful for. It's our special time to give thanks... not
just for the obvious, like food, but for the thousands
of fortunate moments, the multitude of blessings that we receive
each year.
That's not always as easy as it sounds. We tend to remember the
bad things much more easily than the good. That's where this article
comes in. using the tips below, you can make thankfulness an everyday habit. It's a skill that will benefit you throughout the year.
Begin by keeping a gratitude journal. Don't write down negative
things; only positive ones. For example, "I'm grateful that I made
it through that heavy rush hour traffic safely." "I'm grateful that
I got to see a beautiful sunset." "I'm grateful that I have a class
at school that I really like."
Think of all the good things that happened because something bad
happened first. For example, "If that slow driver hadn't pulled
in front of me, I would have gotten a speeding ticket." "If I
hadn't tripped on the playground, I would never have met such
a nice person."
"If I hadn't experienced unemployment, I would never have acquired
the skills that got me a more fulfilling job."
Don't focus on what you don't have. Focus on what you do have.
For example: "I'm so fortunate to have a warm place to sleep in
the winter." "I'm so fortunate to live in a safe neighborhood where
I can take walks." "I'm so fortunate to be able to see the beauty around me."
Think about people you've known that have made you thankful for
their existence. They can be family, friends or simply people that you've read
about or seen on television. Imagine how many other people there
are who might be equally as wonderful. You just haven't met them
yet.
Think about people who have made life hard for you. Now think
about the things you accomplished because of them. Did you finish
something
because they said that you couldn't? Did you get better at something
because they made fun of you when you did it badly? Did their
cruel
actions make you vow never to treat others that way? Even
the negative forces in your life can be hidden blessings, worthy
of your gratitude.
Think about the animals that have given you joy: Dogs that love
you with every inch of their hearts, cats that think your lap is
the best place to nap in the whole world, birds whose songs uplift
your spirit,
squirrels whose antics put a grin on your face and so on.
Think about the places that make you smile: A favorite hangout, a wooded trail, an exciting city, a great spot from which to view the sky, a hill that you once rolled down. Give thanks for all these things.
Now pass it on. True gratitude involves action. Lend a hand. Pitch
in. Make a gift. Give your time. Listen. Give back as often as you
can. Even a friendly greeting can make all the difference in the
world.
Create your own opportunities for gratitude. Do you know someone
who never seems happy? Be ready with a smile and a kind word each
time you see them. It may require patience, but eventually, they'll
smile first when they see you. Your interactions with them will
be much more pleasant. Guess what? You'll have a new reason to be thankful!
Let others know when they've done something that you're thankful
for. For example, "I'll never forget how you stuck up for me. It
meant a lot." "That email you sent really made my day." "You make shopping here a pleasure." An attitude of gratitude
spreads like ripples from a tossed pebble, benefitting all it touches.
Remember that hard times make good times sweeter. Also keep in
mind that obstacles and challenges not only make you stronger,
but they
force you to explore outside of the comfortable routine that you've
settled into. Without challenges, there can be no progress. Without
obstacles, there can be no achievement. Be thankful for the opportunities
that they provide.
In conclusion, giving thanks is a powerful tool that can dramatically improve your life and
the lives of those around you. Start by embracing gratitude's special
day, then make it a habit!
