WAYS TO BE THANKFUL THIS YEAR
Every Thanksgiving, we are reminded to be thankful for the past year and our life at the present moment. It can go without saying that 2020 has been a difficult year for most of us. It can be challenging to have a grateful mindset when there has been so much hardship and uncertainty. It is important to not be in denial of those feelings; everyone has the right to process these difficult emotions and understand that it is okay to not be okay sometimes. However, we believe that taking time to reflect on this past year can open up new perspectives on what gratitude can look like for you. It is not always about being grateful for success and huge accomplishments, sometimes gratitude can be seen in the most unexpected ways. Here are four things you can reflect on this year on what it means to be thankful:
1. Thankful for the Little Things
2020 put a pause on what our lives once were, but it is important to be thankful for what it reminded of us of: the little things. From the kindness of strangers, to enjoying a warm cup or coffee or tea in the morning, it is the little things that can sometimes give us the greatest joy. Challenge yourself this month to write down one small thing you are grateful for each day and notice how those little things can impact your attitude.
2. Thankful for those Around You
With the hustle and bustle of life being on pause, we are able to focus in on what is right in front of us. For many of us, that is family. With everyone’s schedule coming to a halt, we are reminded that the people closest in our lives can make a huge impact in how we feel. It can be easy to have the overwhelming feeling of being cooped up in one place for too long, but this month, challenge your family or those you live with to take a look back on these past months and share some memories they are thankful for while being with others at home.
3.Thankful for Challenges you have Overcome
2020 has been difficult to say the least. Each one of us has faced new challenges, uncertainty, and obstacles that they were not expecting to come across this year. But as we get closer to the end of the 2020, remind yourself truly just how far you have come. Take time this month to reflect on who you are now versus who you were in February. Think of what you had to face, and what you are proud. Again, remind yourself of the little things! No accomplishment is too small; remind yourself to be proud of each step.
4. Thankful for New Hobbies, Passions, and Interests
We can all agree that this year gave most of us a little bit more free time. With that, many of us reemerged into hobbies, passions, or interests that were on hold due to lack or time. You might have even explored new ones you never knew you had interest in! Whether you rediscovered your love for reading, baking, painting, or even learning a new language, be reminded of the joy in doing something just for the fun of it!