We often think about the Thanksgiving season as a time to be grateful. Many of us will sit at our holiday tables, laden with turkey and all the trimmings, and ask our gathered families to name one thing for which they are grateful. That is a lovely practice, for sure, but gratitude extends far beyond the holiday. In fact, establishing a gratitude practice in your life has been shown to make a difference in both your overall health and your quality of life.
What is a gratitude practice? It’s a way to focus attention on all that we are thankful for, intentionally and not just by chance. It’s an opportunity for us to take a moment of mindfulness and reflect on the many things in our lives that we appreciate.
Finding ways to recognize and express gratitude can lead us to reframe the way we think about ourselves and our lives. Rather than concentrating on the negatives, on the things that might not have gone the way we wanted or problems that frustrate us, we can use gratitude to note all the ways in which we are fortunate. Doing so has been shown to increase our sense of optimism and hope and even enhance our immune system. As we all know, the mind/body connection is very real and cultivating a grateful mindset can make a real difference.
You can have a formal or informal means for recognizing gratitude in your life. Some people like to write down their thoughts, either in the morning or in the evening, and there are even special gratitude journals that were designed just for that purpose. Others may want to share their thoughts aloud with a loved one. That often happens over the dinner table or just before sleep. It may be a part of your morning routine, perhaps a few minutes of stretching and a minute or two to reflect on the positives in your life.
Another wonderful way to express gratitude is in helping others. You can volunteer for, or donate to, a worthy cause. You can be the friend who is there to listen or to lend a hand. You can practice kindness in your daily interactions, taking a moment to say something nice to someone, as simple as a “Good morning” greeting with a smile or a sincere “Thank you” to the cashier in the grocery store.
If you open your eyes and look at all the good that exists in your life, you will, without question, begin to recognize the very many gifts you have. So many things for which to be grateful, from health and family to sunshine and a good meal. Not just allowing, but encouraging, ourselves to stop for just a moment and be thankful can change our lives and the lives of others.
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