Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving and Beyond
As Thanksgiving approaches I’m reminded that it’s that one day when we are asked: “What are you thankful for this year?” Since I was a young girl I’ve always wondered why we need 1 special day out of 365 to stop and reflect on what we are thankful for.
When I teach yoga, I always end the class with the following request, “Take a moment to thank yourself for your yoga practice today and for taking care of you.” How often do you say “thank you” to you or to the other people in your life? A question for you: what if you started a weekly or even daily practice of thanking yourself and those around you? I bet you have many things to be thankful for. What difference do you think it would make if you stopped and gave thanks to all that you have?
Sometimes I catch myself forgetting about all that is right and what I am happy for in my life, and I find myself focusing on the things that are not going as well as I think they should. Instead of complaining about all the things that are not going as well as we’d like how about instead we celebrate all that is right in the world! Despite the economic crisis, all is not yet lost. This is a festive time of year that may include holiday parties, concerts, decorating and shopping. Let’s treat it that way. Give yourself time for some fun and positivity this holiday season. Have you been invited to too many parties? Instead of dreading that next party, thank yourself for having friends and family who care about you and want to spend time with you. Have you been asked to bake yet another apple pie? Consider yourself lucky because someone thinks you are a great cook! Are you complaining because you ate too much? Be thankful you have food on your table, there are plenty of people who do not. Instead of eating all the food on the table, eat as you normally eat, package up the rest and share it with someone who needs nourishment. Being thankful is a choice we are all able to make…everyday.
As Thanksgiving approaches consider paying more attention to the things that you are truly thankful for, and as Thanksgiving passes, continue to give thanks to yourself and to others.
Have a happy and healthy holiday!
“As Thanksgiving approaches consider paying more attention to the things that you are truly thankful for, and as Thanksgiving passes, continue to give thanks to yourself and to others.” So, so true…thanks for this and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Marks last blog post..The Journey Continues During the Holidays!
Hi Stacey!
I am thankful for very much in my life - hopefully I do a good job of showing that everyday. Some days are better than others…
I do have a story to share. I was at a cub scout meeting with my younger son last week. He’s at a point where he’s losing interest. I’m at a point, as a leader, where I’ve lost interest. And yet, we continue on (that’s another issue) since no one else has stepped up to lead the group. Back to the story, and what makes this all worth it (even when I reached a state of burn out). Near the end of our meeting - I asked all the scouts to go and thank their parents, and their den leaders - and related it to being thankful during the Thanksgiving season (this is getting long…sorry Stacey). Anyway, they all got up and went about thanking their parents and their den leader (I’m the leader of the whole group - so no group of boys for me). My son came up and hugged me. One other boy shook my hand. And then I had that moment. One of the first graders came up to me - thinking he would shake my hand and say thank you - I held out my hand. But that’s not what we wanted. He wrapped his little body and arms around one of my legs - a big hug is what we was looking to give. And then he looked up at me (I should have wrote a whole blog post on this I guess!) and to say I felt the love would be an understatement. It about brought me to tears. It was so genuine.
How do we express that genuine gratitude every day in our lives? How do we “make it real”?
Have a great Thanksgiving Stacey - enjoy all the holiday season brings your way!
Lances last blog post..With Many Thanks, We Dance
Hi Stacey: Today someone at my gym made a comment about how they were upset because it’s been raining so much here. I told them: “Sometimes we’re not grateful for what we have, do you know how many countries there are where people wish that it would rain like this?” It’s very important to reflect often on all the good in our lives.
Marelisas last blog post..55 Things To be Grateful For
Lance -
I love your story. Very moving. It’s amazing - we were once fully self expressed without any inhibitions like that little boy. Your story serves as a great reminder. Where do we hold back? And how can we express our gratitude to someone fully and authentically? This season does give us the ripe opportunity to acknowledge those who contribute to our lives.
Happy Thanksgiving.
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So true! I don’t thank myself and others enough.
Girl on Tops last blog post..The Day After
A good reminder. Almost need to make a gratitude board so that I can be reminded frequently of all the good in my life.
Rachel/Fit Moms last blog post..Get some killer abs and upper body strength with the BOSU!