It seems especially appropriate as Thanksgiving is upon us in the US, to remember to give thanks to those for whom we are grateful. We should but often forget to tell those who we like or love how much they mean to us, provide compliments or just thank them for the things they do for us. We may think about it but never say itâ¦so letâs say it, especially now.
But what about those who challenge us in our lives? Those who perhaps even make our days more difficult with worry, annoyance or other negative emotions. What about them? Should we give thanks to them? Yes, I believe we should be even more grateful to them. You may think Iâm twisted but hereâs why.
A Twist on Giving Thanks
It seems especially appropriate as Thanksgiving is upon us in the US, to remember to give thanks to those for whom we are grateful. We should but often forget to tell those who we like or love how much they mean to us, provide compliments or just thank them for the things they do for us. We may think about it but never say it…so let’s say it, especially now.
But what about those who challenge us in our lives? Those who perhaps even make our days more difficult with worry, annoyance or other negative emotions. What about them? Should we give thanks to them? Yes, I believe we should be even more grateful to them. You may think I’m twisted but here’s why.
When you’re not getting what you want in life, those experiences help you clarify what you DO want. It’s important to be grateful to those people, places and things that don’t seem to raise your happiness level because if you stop and think about it, you can choose to adjust your thinking and begin to create a better scenario for yourself.
This may sound like an unpopular view but many times we don’t know what we do want until we actually see what we don’t want. Bad relationship, horrible job, unruly children, weight gain, illness- whatever it is, give thanks to it as the starting point to begin a fantastic new episode in your life.
Get clear about what you do want. Look for the people and resources you need to turn your situation into what you want- one small action step once a day, every day possible. Be thankful for even the very smallest of wins on your journey and give people your gratitude on paper and in person.
On that amazing day when everything seems to fall into place-celebrate like you’ve never celebrated before! This is the natural time to give thanks so do it with enthusiasm to everyone that helped you along the way. Want to keep that feeling alive? Give thanks and gratitude once a day via pen and paper, or better yet give it freely to others. Your happiness level will raise and your mindset can work into a place where you know that you are capable of handling the good times and the perceived challenges.
So now you know- there really is a way to keep Thanksgiving alive every day-twisted or not.
Lori Peters, Creator of the Happiness Hangout™ is a speaker, teacher, blog writer and radio show host.
