In the midst of the political rhetoric/reality/anxiety in many parts of the word, tomorrow our American neighbours are marking their 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 and forecasts … it’s not easy.
But 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.
Making a Gratitude Attitude a 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 you?
Seriously … beginning with gratitude for ourselves
is a great way to begin a Gratitude Attitude.
Here’s one way to cultivate this habit
… 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 … for the gift of creation … me!”
Look into the mirror again and see the Gift of Creation
– you!
At night, after brushing your teeth, after removing your makeup
say/think it again: “Thank you, Universe / God, for the gift of creation – me.”
Look in the mirror again, and see the Gift of Creation
– you! 🙂
Simple acts like keeping a gratitude journal, a Gratitude Box/Jar (more about that in a few days as the Season called Advent begins) … sharing words of appreciation … volunteering
and an Attitude of Gratitude
can cultivate a long-lasting sense of thankfulness
even in a world that can often feel overwhelming.
Having an Attitude of Gratitude grounds us and reminds us of the good that surrounds us.
For good does surround us.
So, this Thanksgiving, whether American and celebrating Thanksgiving as a holiday, or another nationality,
may we all have an Attitude of Gratitude and “give thanks” – “live thanks”
for carrying a Thanksgiving Spirit – having a Gratitude Attitude into every day
can help transform the way we see the world
– perhaps only just for a moment, or only just for a little bit
… but it does work. 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving!
© June Maffin
www.soulistry.com/blog
www.facebook.com/groups/soulistry
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.