This week, a client of mine shared a story with me about some women she was working with at a homeless shelter. They spent some time discussing what they were each grateful for. This group of women could’ve easily said they had nothing to appreciate, yet they actually wept tears of joy while discussing the beauty in their lives.
My client explained that most of the women were quite religious and believed in a higher power. Because of this belief, they were able to let go of the difficult things and accept their lives. This made room for them to be truly grateful for what they did have, rather than always yearning for more or hating their realities.
Now, I’m not suggesting we all go out and become super religious (you obviously can if that’s your cup of tea), but what I think is so important here is because their mindsets were focused on something that gave them hope and felt good, they were able to find their joy. If these women can do it, there’s no doubt, so can you.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time of year to really think about feeling grateful. In order to feel grateful, we must focus our thoughts on all of the wonderful things present in our lives. In many cases though, this is easier said than done. Logically speaking, most of us know that life could always be worse, but that doesn’t always make us feel better.
The holidays can actually be full of icky stuff for many. So even on Thanksgiving, a holiday dedicated to being thankful, trying to squeeze in some appreciation, between the fears of overeating, dealing with challenging family relationships, hosting guests in our homes, or not having anywhere to go, is not always that easy.
So, how can you clear out that ick to make room for the gratitude you’re “supposed to be feeling”? First, and foremost, accept what is. If you keep telling yourself you don’t want to go to your in-laws’, but you know you ultimately will, let it go. If you overindulge more than usual, let it go. If you are regretting inviting thirty people to your home, let it go. When we let go of the nearly constant mind chatter about all of the things we don’t want to do or aren’t happy with, there will be tons of space for that gratitude I’ve been yammering on about.
Also, try doing something just for you today. Give yourself permission to step away from your obligations, and go for a run, take a bath, read a magazine, take a nap, watch some tv, or do whatever feels good for you. There’s always more room for gratitude when you are taking care of yourself.
Finally, spend some time thinking about what you are grateful for this year…for real. Make a list…tell a friend. You’ll see, it actually feels pretty awesome.
I am grateful for each and every one of you! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
That’s it; that’s all I got for ya-gobble gobble!
Happy day!
P.S.-If you struggle with overindulging and not feeling great about it during the holidays, click here to learn about another way to deal with this very common phenomenon.
