Although writing is what drives me, I still have a day job to pay the bills. This week is Thanksgiving, and this week I have to work on my regular day off (Wednesday = Writing Day). Surprisingly, I realized I’m not angry or resentful for this change up, but rather I am relieved. I have a ton of work to do, and I’m thankful for a few more hours at my desk so that I can hopefully bring more good into the world.
That got me thinking about Thanksgiving, giving thanks, and being grateful. Growing up Thanksgiving always meant getting up early so that we could make the hour-long trip to grandma and grandpa’s house. That’s where everyone met – aunts, uncles, cousins, and occasionally a favorite neighbor. The women would gather in the kitchen, clucking like a bunch of hens while they bustled around preparing the feast, the men sat in the living room (probably to keep from being underfoot in the kitchen) and watched football, which was always appropriately turned up to what I call “football volume.” My brother and I, as well as any other cousins that were there, would all gather in the back room where there was a tiny bookcase filled with books we all had long outgrown and old board games that typically were missing a piece or two. I loved it and still think back fondly about those trips and the time spent with my family. I am truly grateful for such a loving family. And that’s what I want to talk about today – being grateful.
There are many positive things that happen when we practice being grateful:
- It will change your mood. When you focus on what you are thankful for it will almost instantly transform any negative thought into good feelings.
- It will help you to be present. When you stop what you’re doing and acknowledge and be thankful for something – anything really. It can be the company of a friend, having a good job, or simply the ability to walk easily (my husband has MS and walking is not something he can easily do), that brings your focus down to now and allows you to be present.
- It will bring good things to you. Hey, it’s easy, it’s the Law of Attraction. Put simply: you get back what you send out. If you send positivity and gratitude out, the Universe will return it to you.
- It’s sexy. Someone who’s grateful is happier, able to see things from a different perspective, and appreciative for what they have. And hey, who doesn’t like to be appreciated?
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So how can you learn to be more thankful and grateful?
- Be aware of the positives in your life. So often we get all wrapped up in ourselves and the bad stuff that happened, is happening, or could happen that we forget to notice all the good stuff infused in our life.
- Be mindful of what you have. It’s not what you have, it’s how you feel about what you have. In the words of Sheryl Crow, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you got.”
- Keep a gratitude journal. Every day find something to be grateful for and write it down. Not only as a daily practice of being grateful, but also a reminder of the positive things in your life.
- Change your perspective. When something negative happens, try to see it as a positive. Maybe you didn’t get that part in the play, or the new job you wanted, but now you have more time to spend with your family.
Today, and every day forward, I invite you to be grateful. To be mindful of all the good that is in your life and surround you.
And for me? Today I’m grateful for my family (chosen and biological), for feasts and togetherness, for the freedom that my family and others have fought for and that some are still fighting for, and for this bad-ass version of The Star Spangled Banner by Madison Rising.
I love input, so please feel free to leave me a comment below or find me on Facebook (Melissa Gale) and connect with me there. Oh, and sign up to follow me. It’s easy (if you’re on your cell go up to “Menu” then “About Me” and scroll down to “Follow Me”) and you won’t miss a post!