A Month of Thanksgiving & Gratitude

Welcome to November, a month of thanksgiving and gratitude.  

2020 has been a trying year for many. Concern about the novel coronavirus and election has generated even more anxiety and stress than one usually needs to manage. 

Now is a good time to check-in and ask yourself, ”How am I doing?”

Even on difficult days you can find things to be grateful for. Remembering to express gratitude to one another or to make note of it to one’s self has the power to lighten burdens by turning thoughts toward the positive side of life.

Here are a few things you can do to bring gratitude into your days and keep thankfulness alive.

• Remember one of the first basic manners we learned as kids, say ‘thank you’.  Thank the helpers in your life. No matter how much or little someone helps, whether they are paid or not for their service, everyone benefits from these two warm words: thank you!
• Keep a journal of gratitude. Write one (or several) things down that you are thankful for every day. Your journal doesn’t need to be fancy, even jotting something down on scrap paper works. Your attention is on what is good in your day. A bonus idea: save your notes, read them later to relive the good things again and again.
• Go for a gratitude walk. As you stroll, reflect on what you are grateful for. Bring a friend or family member along and talk with one another about what is going well. Is the sun shining cheerfully? Did you eat an extra tasty meal, or enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or tea this morning? Are there birds chirping in the trees? Do you have plenty of clothes to keep you cozy as you walk? Small things can lead to much gratitude if time is taken to notice them.

Science has confirmed, with expressions and thoughts of gratitude flowing regularly in your life, you tap into these benefits:

• Doors open to more relationships
• Improved physical health
• Improved psychological health
• Enhanced empathy 
• Better sleep
• Improved self-esteem

We are grateful you are here with us today. We wish you an abundance of thanksgiving and gratitude this month.