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Is thankfulness a decision?

Someone once said, “It’s impossible to be grateful and angry at the same time.” That’s definitely true for me. I have to practice gratitude daily if I want to maintain any sense of peace. But it's not easy.

Anxiety and depression have become more and more common in our world. Global pandemics and political upheaval have caused an increase in isolation, division, and anxiety. Negativity and anger have become the norm. We're bombarded with soundbites from a 24-hour news cycle that focuses on the negative and sensational.  We're compelled to join in. It's definitely not an environment that fosters a sense of thanksgiving.

Lately, I've disconnected some from the news to give myself a break from the constant drama. It's been refreshing.

Practicing gratitude helps me connect to something larger than myself. My natural tendency is to isolate. I'm sometimes so consumed with my own problems I lose sight of anything outside my own little world. In this myopic state, my smallest problems can seem insurmountable. I can get so wrapped up in my issues that I lose sight of what's most important – family and faith. 

Remembering all my blessings helps me be more grateful.  It also helps me have more empathy and compassion for others. 

We can develop a habit of being thankful and expressing gratitude by practicing it daily. When we do that, we are less affected by day-to-day issues and more aware of the feelings of others.

Here are some tips to help you grow gratitude:

  • Write someone a note thanking them.
  • Keep a gratitude journal.
  • Practice prayer and meditation.
  • Thank people throughout the day.
  • Smile often. 

In 1621, Plymouth colonists shared a harvest feast with Native Americans in the "New World". Many consider that the first Thanksgiving meal. That tradition continued for more than two centuries. 

In 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed that day in November to be a national holiday. In the midst of the most difficult and trying time in our nation's history, we took time as a nation to be thankful. Part of Lincoln's Thanksgiving proclamation stated:

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

Like our nation, we benefit from recounting our blessings during hard times. Though we face difficulty, there is always something to be thankful for. Thanksgiving in adversity changes our perspective about our circumstances. It could even change our circumstances.

Here are a few questions to ask around the Thanksgiving table this year.

What's one thing that always makes you laugh?

What's something that's better today than it was yesterday?

What's something you look forward to in the future?

What's your favorite family tradition?

Which season of the year are you most thankful for and why?

The more we express gratitude, the more we have to be grateful for. However, gratitude takes a conscious effort that begins with a decision.

Let’s make that decision!

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