“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ~ Melody Beattie
Thanksgiving means many different things to people all over the country. As 2020 continues to be a year of significant disruption, confusion, and challenges, it can feel difficult to find something that makes us feel grateful. Now more than ever, it is a time in which maintaining an appreciative perspective on life is essential.
A Grateful Presence
Practicing gratitude is not something to save for the days that are filled with ease and happiness; it’s an expression that must be practiced every day. Expressing gratitude on our worst days is when the real magic happens. By expressing gratitude, we release our sense of entitlement and other negative emotions, which allows us to appreciate the small things and the lessons to be learned along the journey.
Gratitude empowers us to be truly present in the moment. By being grateful for the things that we do have, we can fully appreciate the moments rather than focusing on what we are without. We find what lessons are to be learned and how much the world has already offered in those moments.
How To Express Gratitude
There are so many different and beautiful ways to express gratitude and make it a consistent part of our lives. It is a practice that can be expressed privately or publicly. A great way to start is by showing respect to others and yourself! Demonstrating kindness regularly, smiling, exhibiting patience, and showing concern are fantastic ways of showing gratitude through respect.
Volunteer in your community and give thanks to those who make your hometown vibrant and diverse. Expressing gratitude can be a small and simple act, such as a daily practice or keeping a journal of what you are thankful for. There are countless ways to demonstrate and share your gratitude. The most important thing to remember is that showing your appreciation brings fulfillment and wholeness to your life.
Everything You Have To Be Grateful For This Year
This year has undoubtedly tested all of us, but there is still so much that deserves our gratitude. While our daily lives have changed, we are always surrounded by our friends’ and families’ love. With more time spent at home, we have had the chance to reconnect and focus on the truly important things. We’ve been allowed to focus on ourselves and our personal growth.
Not only do we have love and support, but we also have hope. Though things are still a bit challenging at the moment, we can all give thanks for the future. Everything going on the year, like much else in life, is temporary. Give thanks and know that today and tomorrow are full of endless possibilities and opportunities to express gratitude.
