Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year. It’s the start of the holiday season, a chance to get together with loved ones, and a time to eat plenty of delicious food. For some, it can also be a time of stress and anxiety – hosting Thanksgiving dinner, dealing with complicated family relationships and worrying about holiday shopping.
Whether you’re excited for the holidays or a little anxious, take the opportunity the holidays present to slow down. Practice Thanksgiving gratitude for all the blessings in your life instead of focusing on the negatives. Then, think about how you can extend this season of gratitude to improve your entire life year-round.
What does it mean to have a grateful Thanksgiving?
The relationship between gratitude and Thanksgiving is deeply ingrained in the holiday. Some of us grew up going around the table and sharing something we’re thankful for each year. Quotes about gratitude and Thanksgiving pop up on our social media feeds along with hashtags like “#blessed” and “#thankful.” There’s no doubt these feelings are sincere, but there’s a difference between being thankful and being grateful.
Being thankful is a fleeting moment, a feeling. It’s when your partner takes care of the chores or errands. Or when a coworker covers for you at work. When a stranger finds and returns your wallet. On the other hand, being grateful is a mindset. It’s a state of grace of constant thankfulness. It’s an appreciation for all that life brings, good and bad – because even our worst moments can shape us in positive ways. When you not only have Thanksgiving gratitude but also gratitude for life itself, you’ll find fulfillment in life.
