I was listening to a lively discussion on our local NPR station this morning about the many benefits of gratitude. One of the things I learned is that slow economic times and personal hardships often help people become more aware of many blessings in their lives. Is it possible that humans are hard-wired to return to a place of gratitude when the going gets tough? How might we use this to our advantage?
Thanksgiving week reminds us to be aware of our blessings. It also reminds us that we have all sorts of distractions and stresses we must attend to including shopping, cleaning, cooking, entertaining, dressing up and social events. Maybe we will also see people we haven’t been with for a long time. Worse yet, we may be forced to spend time with people we don’t even feel comfortable around. My heart goes out to those who also struggle with travel, living out of a suitcase and sleeping in a strange bed this long weekend. No wonder many will experience feelings of fear, lack, stress, judgment, panic and rejection along with their Thanksgiving experience.
Remember – Your thoughts are Your Choice!
Pay attention to how you feel this Thanksgiving. Even before you gather with family and friends, notice something good, choose to be grateful about it and amplify the feeling. Once in the midst of your holiday experience, as you notice a negative thought, emotion or feeling, also be fully present to it. Realize that you can choose to shift your attention to something better by simply thinking about one of your blessings. Don’t let the family drama pull you in, just observe the scene, accept it and then choose something better to occupy your awareness. Sometimes it helps to whisper “thank you” as you think about something good (like the great day you had last weekend), then let your spirit shift up.
Helping Others Shift Up
You have the opportunity to shift more than yourself up this holiday season. Strong, happy people have a responsibility to invoke contagious gratitude and appreciation in others too. Here are a few ideas:
1. Invite someone to join you for a walk outside
2. Write a thank you note to your host or hostess
3. Compliment sincerely and publically so that many will know your appreciation
4. Look a holiday sales clerk in the eye, smile and thank them for their service
5. Smile wherever you go. Witness and pause before reacting or speaking.
6. Invite someone to sit down with you in a quiet place for tea or coffee – honor them by listening fully.
Acknowledge that holidays can be stressful and choose to make this year a better experience. Thanksgiving is a great dress rehearsal for the parties and gatherings December will soon bring. Shift up and the world will rise up along with you.
