Despite the busyness of the season, I wanted to stop and reflect on practicing gratitude after Thanksgiving. Most of us remember all that we are grateful for on Thanksgiving, but what about the rest of the year?
According to AI, Gratitude is the feeling of thankfulness for the good things in life, and it can be cultivated through practices like keeping a gratitude journal, mindful reflection, and actively expressing thanks to others. Regularly practicing gratitude has been shown to improve health, increase happiness, and may even lead to a longer life by shifting focus toward the positive aspects of one’s circumstances.
Today, I want to share some tips from an older article I wrote on remembering to be grateful the rest of the year.
True gratitude around Thanksgiving is seldom practiced after the holiday.
Over the years, the historical story about the Native Americans and the Pilgrims’ special meal evolved into a national day of gratitude. Since the late 1700s, people have celebrated this historical event by sharing a large meal with loved ones. But how about the days after Thanksgiving? How can we make every day a day of thanksgiving?
Unity published a booklet titled “How Gratitude Changes Everything.” I would like to share the great tips listed in the article at the back of the booklet. (Unfortunately, the booklet does not seem to be available at the moment!)
Five Ways to Live in Gratitude
- Count your blessings—especially if you’re feeling low.
- Light a candle for someone in your home. (Or engage in some of the activities listed on the Gratefulness website)
- Start a gratitude journal. Each day before going to bed, write down five to 10 things you’re grateful for.
- Make gratitude part of your daily routine. Give thanks as part of every meditation and prayer practice.
- Give back to the universe through random acts of kindness. Pay for the next customer’s coffee drink. Help someone with their groceries. Give an unexpected tip. Smile at passersby. Give an unexpected compliment.
Let’s forget the buying frenzy that typically occurs the days after Thanksgiving. Let’s leave the commercialism behind and proclaim this year’s holiday as the start of a daily gratitude practice! Find a journal and begin writing down what you are thankful for. Start and end your day remembering those things that have blessed your life. And see the change all around you!
In the famous words of Meister Eckhart:
“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”
