Practicing Gratitude

This week, Americans will celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday unlike any we’ve known in our lifetimes. In light of the ongoing third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, many people will opt not to travel. And in hundreds of thousands of homes, families will be missing loved ones who have been taken by the virus. Everywhere, there will be empty places at our tables.

 Turmoil has been an ongoing theme of the year. And here we are at Thanksgiving, a day we gather to express gratitude for all we have. As difficult as it may be this year, creating an ongoing gratitude practice is deeply important. Gratitude changes your brain for the better and can make hard times more bearable.  

Gratitude is most necessary when we are faced with uncertainty and despair. How can we cultivate appreciation?

Give thanks. If someone has made this year easier for you or brightened your days, let them know.

Be mindful. When you are present with small gifts each day—sunlight, cool water to drink, a warm bed to sleep in—gratitude comes more easily.

Reach out to a friend. Remember that you aren’t alone.

Journal. A gratitude journal can help you keep track of all you have to be thankful for. It can also help you to see what even the difficult experiences have taught you.

This is not the easiest season in which to practice gratitude, but finding thankfulness can help you get through whatever storm you’re weathering, reminding you that there are brighter skies ahead.