With Thanksgiving next week, we are collectively shifting into the season of gratitude. I have a hunch though, that resting in gratitude will be a larger task for many of us this year. People are hurting emotionally, financially, and physically all over the world, and it can be hard to find space in our brains and hearts to say āthank you.ā So, how do we move into a space where being thankful is easier?
On my darkest days this year, I used prayer to anchor me in gratitude. I would ask God for a blessing by saying āthank youā for it in advance, along with giving thanks for things already in my life. Doing this forced me to find the good things and they were often positives Iād typically take for granted. I thanked God for my good health, the health and wellbeing of my friends and family, waking up that morning. These are the basics, and theyāre a good place to start on the gratitude journey.Ā
On my darkest days this year, I used prayer to anchor me in gratitude.
If youāre reading this and prayer isnāt your thing, then think about the times when you feel most aligned with the spirit of gratitude. Incorporate the moments that are easiest to consistently replicate into your daily practice. That could look like writing down three things youāre grateful for each morning, or just naming them in your head.Ā
Seeing the good in our life takes practice, trust me Iāve spent much of my existence being a glass half empty kind of girl, but itās an effort thatās worthwhile. When we root ourselves in gratitude, it allows us to navigate the world with a glass half full approach. There will always be things in our lives worth griping about, but we canāt let them rob us of the joy that comes with acknowledging the good.Ā
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone that celebrates, Iām wishing you all a delicious meal and fruitful holiday with the people that you love.Ā
Resources
T.D. Jakes: Don't Let Doubt Keep You from Your Destiny! - I love this sermon from T.D. Jakes, itās speaks to how difficult it can be to rest in our blessings and how to navigate that. The messaging is also broad enough that it can be enjoyed regardless of your religious affiliations.
The Five Minute Journal - Journaling is a great way to start taking note of the good things in your life, and Intelligent Change offers The Five Minute Journal as a guided space to practice gratitude. This journal is currently on sale for anyone thatās interested.