Thanksgiving Resilience
by | Nov 23, 2021
Thanksgiving is a holiday that literally originates from the practice of giving thanks. While historically a religious day, the U.S. national holiday is religion-agnostic, opening the door to people of all faiths and non-faiths to focus on gratitude for one day.
Why do people give thanks? Regardless of the origins, it turns out that gratitude is good for us! Depending on what research you read, gratitude increases happiness, reduces stress, improves physical health, and boosts self-esteem. It also increases resilience–which we all need during these unpredictable times.
Today I asked our resilience expert, Lois Barth, to comment on how to fully experience the benefits of gratitude this Thanksgiving.
How do you see gratitude being connected to resilience?
Gratitude and resilience are very connected. Gratitude focuses on abundance and what we have. Since what we focus on multiplies, when we focus on the blessings, we build our inner resources. Resiliency is just that: tapping into what we already have—but often forget—resourcefulness.
Resiliency is not about “bouncing back” but bounding forward, seeing the opportunities in life’s challenges. Ultimately, resilience involves embracing what we have—even difficult circumstances—to move forward.
What tips do you have to help people focus on gratitude this Thanksgiving?
Look at what gives you joy; that’s where your gratitude lives. For one of my clients, having lost weight didn’t feel very rewarding, but when she was able to run up and down the soccer field to coach her daughter’s game, THAT was a milestone moment. Vitality was the true gift; losing the weight just an access point.
Think about what lights you up and gives you joy. It might be your family’s inside jokes, knowing it’s okay to argue one moment and hug the next, being with family or friends that you haven’t seen in a while. Focus on what is meaningful to you; you’ll learn what matters and what your core values are.
How can people spread the spirit of gratitude with their families (without it feeling corny)?
Some families are very uncomfortable going around sharing “what I’m grateful for.” If so, don’t force it.
If your family is game for sharing, encourage family members to really be specific. It makes a difference!
Otherwise, find ways to acknowledge those around you with genuine words of appreciation. It might be as simple as, “I love how you set the table. It makes the holiday so special,” or “I’m so happy we have this time together.”
Gratitude is contagious. When you make a point of giving voice to your gratitude, others will catch the vibe.
If some people around you are negative, hear them out and empathize. Gratitude is not about “toxic positivity” where people aren’t allowed to have their feelings. It is about shining a light on what you appreciate about your life and the people in it.
Gratitude shines the light down our path, while resiliency fortifies us with stamina to walk, tread, and sometimes trudge down it, and come out stronger, not in the absence of the fears, the challenges, and missteps but right alongside them. – LOIS-ism