4 Ways to Learn the Art of Gratitude this Thanksgiving Week

I’m constantly perplexed at how fast time goes, even when you’re not having fun. I remember the first time of hearing about this mysterious coronavirus that has now become the sole defining factor of what our daily lives look like and even where we’re able to spend our holidays. I took a trip in mid February when I saw an influx of travelers in the airport with face masks on, something so casual today was alarming to see just handful of people wearing. To think that that was only the second month of the year and now we’re in the second to last month of the year is mind boggling. 2020 has been a year of great loss, but with shared trauma comes a bond that no other life event can bring. As we complete the year, there is no questioning the need to grieve losses that will never be reclaimed. As we grieve, we learn the tension of holding what was lost and what we have gained. The way to whole heartedly embracing this dichotomy is to learn the deep satisfaction of gratitude. But remember, you do not invalidate the grief you feel when you hold on to the things you have. Holding open a hand for gratefulness can help get you through the pain of grief. With that, here are 5 ways I hope will help you learn the art of gratitude this Thanksgiving Week.

1) Daily Intentions -

Setting daily intentions are small wins. Each morning, wake up and write out what you intend on finishing that day. DO NOT make them hard. “I will take breaks” “I will be kind to myself” "I will drink a glass of water” Accomplishing these small goals/intentions every day sets you up for gratitude that you were able to set out to accomplish that day. Remember, make them small and very attainable. That is key.

2) The People Around You

Research shows that you are the average of the five people you spend most of your time with. Making a conscious decision to surround yourself with appreciative, thoughtful people will always help. You are still the only who is responsible for choosing to be grateful, but surrounding yourself with the right people helps immensely.

3) Activate Your Senses

Through our ability to touch, see, smell, taste, and hear, we gain an appreciation of the incredible miracle it is to be alive. Seen through the lens of gratitude, the human body is a true gift to our senses. Baking some cookies, filling the house with the scent of a candle, getting cozy in a soft blanket, are all ways of nurturing ourselves by activating our sense and the great miracle it is to experience such joys and delights.

4) Keep a Joy Journal

No matter how hard has gotten, the ability to write and process through circumstances is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. When we are bogged down by the busyness of the season, or the noise of the news cycles, we can quickly forget about the good things we have in life. Calendar in time on a daily basis to recall moments of gratitude associated with every day, ordinary events, your personal attributes, or people in your life you have a great value for.