It’s almost that time of year again. You would think that with the bright lights and busy stores, you would be more upbeat. However, with the economy slowly recovering and people still trying to get back on their feet, there is a lot of grumbling and frustration out there. People are still struggling and the news is a constant remainder of feeling insecure which creates a feeling that nothing good is going on in the world. Well, here is what we say, “Hogwash!”
There is absolutely no reason for you not to smile this holiday season or any other season. There is so much in this world that we can be thankful for. You just have to look around and you can find something. So, here are 6 ways to start being more thankful!
Relax It can be pretty difficult out there, but remember you stressing yourself out over things that you can’t control is not going to help anyone. Take a deep breath and count your blessings. Even if you can only find one at the moment, you have found one!
Present Tenses Make sure that you are only using present tenses because tomorrow is not here yet, and yesterday is gone. All you can do right now is worry about what is happening at this moment in time. Are you alive? Did you make it to work fairly unscathed? Did your family eat last night? Then, you are millions of times luckier than a lot of families in the world right now.
- Appreciate Take time to appreciate the beauty around you. In our quest to get more or get there faster, it’s easy to overlook all of the splendor around you. Is it raining? Then, you are not in a drought. Is the air clean? Then, some factory is doing their job efficiently. Is your bed warm and inviting? Are the flowers blooming? Do you feel happy when your kids hug you? Then,
- you have loads to be thankful for right at this moment. When you start counting beautiful things or the things around you that make you feel good, then, you can sufficiently start being thankful and appreciative of what you have going on in your life.
- Smile Do something that makes you smile and remember why you are working so hard. When you’re working, you can get so caught up in what you are doing that you forget why you are doing it. Are you working so that your kids have a better life? Go play with them. Are you working so that you can go on vacation at the end of the year? Read about your location. When you affirm your reasons for why you are doing something, you can get back to the business of doing it with a smile.
- Journal Your Gratitude Sit down and for 5 minutes a night for 5 straight nights, just start writing down things that you are thankful for in your life. Even if you come up with some of the same things everyday, you are pinpointing exactly what it is you appreciate and cherish. Then once a week or when you feel like you’ve lost your way, look back at your notebook and remember all of the things in your life that make you and your day possible.
- Giving Thanks Always remember to give thanks where thanks are due. If you pray, chant, meditate, or any combination thereof, there is a reason that you are here today. Maybe your religious beliefs have given you a reason. Maybe you feel a mentor had guided you through what you need to get done or get through. There is no such thing as being self-made. You had help, you had support, and you had been given the opportunity. But remember who you are thankful for or to, because it reminds you that you are not alone, and you never will be.
- Journal Your Gratitude Sit down and for 5 minutes a night for 5 straight nights, just start writing down
things that you are thankful for in your life. Even if you come up with some of the same things everyday, you are pinpointing exactly what it is you appreciate and cherish. Then once a week or when you feel like you’ve lost your way, look back at your notebook and remember all of the things in your life that make you and your day possible. - Giving Thanks Always remember to give thanks where thanks are due. If you pray, chant, meditate, or any combination thereof, there is a reason that you are here today. Maybe your religious beliefs have given you a reason. Maybe you feel a mentor had guided you through what you need to get done or get through. There is no such thing as being self-made. You had help, you had support, and you had been given the opportunity. But remember who you are thankful for or to, because it
reminds you that you are not alone, and you never will be.
Remember, take time to be thankful and think happy thoughts. It makes the day go by faster and your life will be more joyous, not just for you, but also for those around you. △