Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time of the year, ushering in a season of changing weather, delicious food, family, football, and a whole slew of other festivities.

This time of year, though, elicits feelings of sadness, anxiety, and stress for some. This year with the election it may be worse. It can be easy to get swept up in the day-to-day and rush associated with the season, and forget what the holiday was built upon: Gratitude.

In recent years, hundreds of studies have been published documenting the social, physical, and psychological benefits of gratitude. Gratitude has the ability to make us happier, aid in good health, reduce anxiety and depression, strengthen relationships, foster deeper community connections, and help us to sleep better. Gratitude helps us to focus on what we have, rather than what we do not have and can be a powerful “tool” during the holidays.

Gratitude is “an affirmation of goodness. We affirm that there are good things in the world, gifts and benefits we’ve received.”

Here in America, we are flush with opportunities not afforded to much of the world. We have the opportunity to put into practice the ideals our country was founded upon. Our election is behind us. It’s time to move on – together. Giving thanks is a way to lift the spirits of those around us, and to practice gratefulness is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.

There is good. It is time to move forward and find common ground, together to make America the country we ALL want it to be.