Many people feel that 2020 has been a particularly trying time. Sometimes it feels like an extra big effort to try to incorporate a gratitude practice daily, despite how useful it can be for parents.
But even in the midst of diaper changes, messy houses, endless cooking, school, work and general overwhelm…There is always something to be grateful for. I deeply and truly believe this.
The time for Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Take a quick pause to read through some practical ideas for growing your gratitude, and celebrating Thanksgiving perhaps without family and friends nearby, but with a full heart anyway.
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Celebrating Thanksgiving Mindfully
Thanksgiving is one of those holidays I enjoy celebrating, for two reasons:
- A) Food!
- B) Gratitude.
This, despite having a dubious history: read all about it in the book Lies my Teacher Told Me! Or for the quick version, listen to this podcast episode- The Untold Story of Thanksgiving.
American history as I was taught it back in the early 90’s…well let’s say it wasn’t exactly accurate. However, Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that for immigrants is easy to embrace.
Thanksgiving for Everyone
Thanksgiving for me is the all American holiday. It is a holiday that is easy to embrace, if only for the food, coming together with family and friends for a good time!
In Brooklyn, I got to know people of many cultures, and every family would put their own cultural twist to the feast. Our Carribean neighbors were cooking ham and pineapple. Our Italian story time leader always has home made meatballs and marinara sauce. And my Pakistani friend made curried vegetables to go with the turkey.
For reading with kids, and in this same spirit of embracing the melting pot of America (rather than the painful history), I like the book: Not This Turkey!
The main lesson we focus on during the Thanksgiving season, is being thankful! I’ve written before about my personal gratitude practice. However, I thought this was a good time to give you some new ideas to be mindful of gratitude.
Practical Ideas for Growing your Gratitude Practice
Here are a few ideas I thought of that are practical and easy to implement. I guarantee you will feel better after doing one of these.
- Write down something you are grateful for at this moment.
- Get rid of something you no longer need to remind yourself of all that you have (decluttering here).
- Think of something you like about where you live.
- Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Remember the people that care for you.
- Buy a coffee for a stranger a la Pay it Forward.
- Donate something.
- Take a piece of paper and quickly jot down a few things you are grateful for in your life.
- Scroll through your camera roll on your phone and remember a fun memory.
- Go on a walk and find something beautiful.
- Are you always critical of yourself? Think of one quality you like about yourself!
- Take a look around your house, find a gadget that makes your life easier.
- Think of something you are frustrated with right now: can you find a silver lining?
Support Others
Pictures from this post are from the Canstruction Exhibit at Brookfield Place in 2016. This is a great organization to support. The art is made of canned food that is then donated!
We sure do miss New York City! However, we’re looking forward. The future is bright, the pandemic will fade away at some point, and we will find something to be grateful for.
How are you celebrating Thanksgiving this year? And more importantly, what are you grateful for?
