Gratitude

Gratitude 

As we approach Thanksgiving in the United States, many of us forget that this holiday focuses on gratitude.  The holiday began as an expression of our experience in the New World. We gave thanks for a plentiful harvest that would sustain us through the upcoming Winter. 

Today, some families ask each guest to share what they are grateful for as they sit together around the dining room table.  I love the way gratitude can refocus our attention on the positives that are always present in our lives, but can often be overshadowed by negativity.  When depression, loneliness, sadness, or anxiety overtakes our defenses, try a little gratitude to counteract those difficult emotions.

A great exercise that you can do each evening is to write down three things that you are grateful for.  It may be hard to come up with that list, especially if life has been difficult for you as of late.  Depression can distort your thinking, making you believe that everything is lousy.  So, like most things that are worthwhile, you will need to work hard to achieve your goal of listing three things that you’re grateful for.  

Remember the analogy about the glass that is either half full or half empty?  Losing someone really hurts, and missing them during the holiday season can be especially painful (glass half empty).  It’s hard, but being grateful for having had that person in your life, even for a shorter time than you would’ve liked, can be very healing (glass half full).  Remember, it only hurts because you were lucky enough to love someone and have them love you back that you miss them so terribly (glass half full).  I’ve heard many a client say that they were grateful to have awoken in the morning, happy to be alive for another day.  How about feeling grateful for the natural beauty around you, the exquisite sound of a baby’s laugh, or the help that someone offered you today? If you're fortunate enough to be in good health, hopefully, you can realize how very glass half full that is!!!  These are just a few things that can make your list tonight. If you make the effort to look, you'll be able to fill your glass too.

During this holiday season, try to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine.  If you do, you’ll be very grateful that you did!

Wishing you all the healthiest and happiest that the holidays have to offer.