An Attitude of Gratitude This Thanksgiving
The relationship between gratitude and Thanksgiving is deeply ingrained in this holiday. Some of us grew up going around the table sharing "something" we are thankful for. Quotes about gratitude and Thanksgiving pop up everywhere on our social media feeds along with hashtags like #blessed, #grateful and #thankful. No doubt these "feelings" are sincere, but there is a difference between being thankful and being grateful.
Being thankful is a fleeting moment, a feeling. Like when a stranger finds and returns your wallet. On the other hand, being grateful is a mindset. It is an appreciation for all that life brings, (good or bad), because even our worst moments and memories can shape us in so many positive ways.
Gratitude is a powerful thing. Its power is not just in the receiving -- but in the giving. Showing gratitude costs nothing. Not in money or time anyway. We can afford to use it every single day and everyone would benefit.
"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings,
turn routine jobs into joy,
and change ordinary opportunities into blessings."
-- William Arthur Ward
For many of us, just a few years ago, Thanksgiving was a virtual holiday. We had our dinner in our small pandemic bubble or unfortunately, some of us were alone. Some of us powered up our laptops for a Zoom conference with family and friends.
We crowded into a tight group to fit everyone onto the screen, and made conversation, waving into the camera and possibly raising a glass for a long-distance toast. In short, we made do. It was what it was.
It wasn't horrible. But it also wasn't the same as years gone by. And so this year, let us look forward to this upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday more than ever before!
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget
that the highest appreciation is not
to utter words but to live by them."
-- John F. Kennedy
A Challenge for everyone reading this blog ...
Show Gratitude this Thanksgiving by simply being present. Spending TIME with each other and sitting around the dinner table will be a wonderful experience and creates lifelong memories.
Please put away your cell phone and any other distractions for a few precious minutes, and allow yourself to really get involved in the moment. Be Blessed!
This blog has been written as a celebration, creation and fulfillment of the November ActiveRain Challenge by Debe Maxwell, CRS
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