In the midst of the political rhetoric/reality/anxiety in many parts of the word, this weekend, Canadians are marking Harvest Thanksgiving – a time and opportunity to express ‘giving thanks.’ Thanksgiving.
But these days, many struggle to find something – anything – for which they are thankful. Health issues, financial concerns, weather disruptions, faltering relationships, the political reality of our neighbours (from within and from DJT) complicate lives. It’s not easy to ‘give thanks.’
When I remember that “thanksgiving” is an “attitude,” not a feeling, I find it helps me look beyond and focus on an attitude change – a Gratitude Attitude.
Having a Gratitude Attitude Habit helps me extend my focus and be open to an attitude of hope, even when things may appear to be hopeless.
How to have a Gratitude Attitude? How about being grateful for yourself? Seriously … beginning with gratitude for ourselves is a great way to begin a Gratitude Attitude.
Here’s one way to cultivate this habit / attitude: Each morning, as you stand in front of the mirror, ready to brush your teeth, look in the mirror (hair likely uncombed, no make-up, haven’t yet shaved, grunge still in the eyes), think or say “Thank you Universe / God Creator (or just “thank you”) … for the gift of creation. Me.”
Look into the mirror again and see the Gift of Creation. You!
Simple acts like keeping a Gratitude Journal, a Gratitude Box/Jar (click the ‘search’ bar here on Soulistry and you can read all about it) … sharing words of appreciation … volunteering … can cultivate a long-lasting sense of thankfulness, even in a world that can often feel overwhelming and anything but a place where one finds an attitude of gratitude easy.
Having an Attitude of Gratitude, grounds us and reminds us of the good that surrounds us.
A Gratitude Attitude can help transform the way we see the world.
Perhaps only just for a moment … but it does work. 🙂
This weekend, whether Canadian and celebrating Thanksgiving as a holiday or not,
may we all have an Attitude of Gratitude and “give thanks” and “live thanks” in some way.
Happy Thanksgiving!
© June Maffin
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Well said, June. Sometimes it is difficult to feel gratitude especially when one is very tired and, perhaps, discouraged but an attitude of gratitude is a good idea even when one is exhausted and can’t think of a darned thing except getting off one’s feet and crawling into bed — and then being grateful for the comfortable warm bed in a comfortable warm house and wearing a soft and comfortable warm nightie. Already I feel happier tired feet and all. And, the reason for the tired feet? Standing for hours preparing a nourishing, delicious meal for my spouse and two bachelor friends, both of whom devoured the food and thanked me over and over — all good.
Thanks, Cherie. I am grateful for your words, our burgeoning friendship and your support of the ‘Soulistry’ ministry – for that’s how I feel about it. 🙂