Tis the season for an attitude of gratitude
With Thanksgiving right around the corner inevitably there is the “Thanksgiving blessing” in which before starting the meal the diners go around the table and everyone says what they are “thankful” or “grateful” for in their life. While the words are used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between the two according to Merriam Webster. While both are adjectives, “thankful” is conscious of benefit received and “grateful” is appreciation of benefits received.
For some reason, I am uncomfortable being put on the spot asking what I am thankful for (because there are so many things) and I find the once-a-year type of blessing lacks originality. The holidays are supposed to be a festive time of year, but for some, this time of year is tinged with sadness and depression.
During times of hardship, heartbreak and depression, it might seem difficult to be grateful for anything, but if you think about it, we all usually have something to appreciate in our life. While we may be conscious of the benefits in our life, it is the appreciation and awareness that is most important. Webster defines “gratitude” as the state of being grateful. Dr. Kristin Francis, a psychiatrist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute says, “Expressing gratitude can positively change your brain. It boosts dopamine and serotonin, the neurotransmitters in the brain that improve your mood immediately, giving you those positive feelings of pleasure, happiness, and well-being.”
One easy way to put yourself into a mindset of gratitude is to journal. Every morning or evening, write three things you are grateful for and try not to repeat yourself. Three simple bullet points: indoor plumbing, blue sky day, loving dog. I find when I do a mindfulness gratitude journal that I also record the highlights of my day, e.g., talked to my childhood friend Elizabeth N. for a few minutes and fixed the fence in the new trap pasture. Another way to express gratitude is to say a few things to your partner or a friend on a daily basis. Yes, a daily basis. It is a good idea to express gratitude and appreciation to people in your life. What exactly do you appreciate about them?
Thanksgiving usually follows our fall cattle works in which I’ve spent days in the kitchen cooking for a hungry cowboy crew and really have no desire to cook, but I do like to spend time with friends and family.
From my dear first cousin, “Thanksgiving for my family is not just about that food but about the time together. We’ve made it a family tradition over the years to do the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. It’s a big celebration of people — especially families young and old coming together to walk or run. I’ve never seen such a happy bunch of strangers. It’s a great way to focus on what matters — people and relationships — and the Thanksgiving feast after feels more deserving too!” If you never done the Turkey Trot, I highly recommend it.
The first turkey trot was held in Buffalo, New York, in 1896 and was designed to celebrate community and raise money for youth, family and senior resources at the YMCA. A Turkey Trot is a way to bring people together, promote well-being, and foster gratitude. Why not let the Turkey Trot be about setting the tone for a grateful holiday season. Most towns have some kind of Turkey Trot, so you might want to consider beginning a tradition with friends or family.
Feel free to share your thoughts with me at ashton@ashtoncannon.com. I love to hear from my readers!
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Ashton Graham is an educator, book publisher, photographer, cowgirl and yoga teacher. She is currently studying to become a certified yoga therapist and lives on a ranch in West Texas
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Maintaining Balance: Tis the season for an attitude of gratitude
