An Attitude of Gratitude

The Importance of Practicing Gratitude

I don't know about everyone else, but I'm 1) shocked we're at the end of November and 2) can't believe Thanksgiving is already here! November was a chaotic month for me, for many reasons. This had me thinking about how I can't control everything, but one thing I can control is my mindset. One way I like to rebalance my mindset is through gratitude practices. It feels especially apt with Thanksgiving coming up. Practicing gratitude isn’t just a healthy activity to practice during this season; it can be practiced year-round to help enhance our perspective on life. It's so easy to get caught up in the rush of everyday living, taking a moment to express thanks for things both big and small can shift our focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right.

The Mental Health Benefits

Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can lead to improved mental well-being. It helps in alleviating feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression. All things I deal with, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that.

When we concentrate on the good things in our lives, it can create a positive feedback loop that fosters resilience against adverse situations. A simple moment of gratitude can uplift your spirit and even enhance your relationships with others.

Ways to Practice Gratitude

Here are a few of my tried and true methods that you can use to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine this Thanksgiving:

• Gratitude Jar: Get a jar and some pieces of paper. Each day leading up to Thanksgiving, write down something you’re thankful for and place it in the jar. On Thanksgiving day, read all of them out loud to celebrate the positive moments of the year.If you're feeling ambitious, don't peek on Thanksgiving and instead wait until New Year's Eve to ring in the New Year with some gratitude.

• Gratitude Journal: Start journaling your thoughts of gratitude. It can be as simple as a list of 3-5 things daily or it can be a full-blown journal entry. Either way, dedicate a few minutes each day to jot down what you’re thankful for. This not only serves as a reminder of the good in your life but also helps you notice patterns of positivity that you might overlook.

• Mental List: Maybe journaling isn’t your style, that's totally cool! You can also try making a mental list. Each morning or evening, be intentional and take a moment to think of three things that make you feel grateful. This can be as simple as having a warm cup of coffee or being surrounded by loved ones.

Practicing these methods regularly can fundamentally change your outlook on life. Noticing the little blessings can remind us that there’s always something to be thankful for, even during challenging times.

Conclusion: Embrace Gratitude

This Thanksgiving (and, maybe rest of the year), let’s make it a point to embrace gratitude. For our mental health and overall happiness, let’s focus on the positive, express thanks, and make gratitude a practice that lingers long after the holiday season ends. After all, gratitude isn’t just a moment; it’s a way of life. Happy Thanksgiving!