No one can deny that the past few years have been difficult. Filled with concerns over health and safety, major changes to our lifestyles, disruption of our children’s education, losses of income, financial instability, and an increasingly volatile world — it can be easy to forget that amid the dark and scary moments there have also been times of joy, happiness, and adventure.
During this Thanksgiving, it is more important than ever to spend some time reflecting and remembering.
By filling our hearts and words with gratitude, we model a mindset of positivity and appreciation that our children will learn, copy and repeat for the rest of their lives.
Looking back at the past year allows us to truly assess where we have been and where we are going – and it helps set the intention and mindset for the upcoming year.
Here are some ways that you can reminisce, share your experiences, and give back during this Thanksgiving holiday season.
Literally “Give”
You don’t necessarily have to donate money, clothes, or other physical goods. Not everyone can afford that during these difficult times. Instead, remember that you have something more precious than money — You have time.
Your time is the most precious gift that you can give. And don’t limit yourself to the traditional “soup kitchen” if that isn’t what calls to you. There are many places that can use a little bit of love during the holidays.
Family shelters, hospitals, and juvenile detention centers are all places where people will benefit from your time and generosity. Not only can you demonstrate the act of giving to your children but I think that you will also find that this type of charity fills the spirit of the giver as much as it does the recipient.
Remember
Throughout Thanksgiving day (and every day, if you can) remember the people, things, and events that you are grateful for. Forget the bad and forget the sad.
I truly believe that we attract what we focus on – so take this opportunity to share out loud all
of the blessings that came into your life this year. As you start to recollect, you will soon discover that there were many more wonderful things that transpired than you initially remembered. Encourage your kids to share their thoughts as well.
If speaking spontaneously in front of a group of family and friends makes you uncomfortable, there are still many ways that you can express your gratitude on this special day.
Write It Out
Another option that will give you more time to compose your thoughts, is to write them down and put the small pieces of paper into a jar or vase. If you are comfortable, you can take turns reading them out loud that evening – or you could save them to read next year and multiply your blessings.
Another cute idea is to create a Gratitude Banner.
Each flap can be filled with small memories or events that made the year extra special. You can bring the banner back out year after year and keep adding memories for a growing and evolving scrapbook of gratitude
Write letters to those who have touched your life and let them know about the impact they have had. And – yes – MAIL them. There is something extra special and heartwarming about receiving a personalized letter in the mail.
Write a letter to your future self or to your children. Tell them or yourself about the past year, your experiences, the popular fads and styles, current events, the memories that you have made, and the friends that you have encountered.
This creates a yearly time capsule of sorts that you can look upon fondly in the future.
Lights, Camera, Action
Create a video journal.
Have each person share a moment of gratitude or a message of love.
And make sure to add to it year after year
Make it a tradition to add messages and then watch it each Thanksgiving.
This will serve as a reminder of good times, give you an opportunity to watch your family grow and change, and see how your life has evolved through the years.
And don’t hold back – Be silly, be bold, be open, be authentic.
This will create a memory that you will cherish forever.
GIVE
This is a perfect time to clean and declutter. Separate your needs from your wants and make a move towards greater simplicity. Then take those items that you no longer need or use and give them a chance to find a new life in a new home. Adopt a family, donate to a shelter, or participate in a church drive or community collection.
Extend your charity beyond acts of donation or volunteering.
This can be as simple as inviting someone to Thanksgiving dinner at your home.
Many people are far from their families, they may be too frail to journey long distances, or they may not be able to afford to travel. Rather than have that friend, coworker, or neighbor eat home alone in front of the tv, invite them over. It will help them feel special and remembered and may fill your heart with joy at the same time
Work Family
If you work with or lead a team, this is a perfect time to show your gratitude for all of their work, camaraderie, and effort. Even if you are not working that day, consider coming in for a few hours to share a meal and verbally thank them.
Make a day of it. Your team is working hard that day, so inject some fun activities and a little downtime to enjoy each other.
Send an email or a hand-written message to the team letting them know how much you appreciate them
You may even want to post something about them on your social media. I can almost guarantee that it will be seen by someone in your team and they will appreciate the public acknowledgment and praise.
Whatever you do this Thanksgiving day, whether you are at work or at home, take time aside to think and reflect. Try and do some or all of the suggestions listed above.
If none of these speak to your heart, that is ok.
Thanksgiving does not have to be generic or commercial.
Do Thanksgiving in the way that feels most natural to you.
But however you choose to celebrate it, do so with a heart of gratitude, a mind at peace, and a spirit of positive expectation for the upcoming year.
