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 tragedies that have seemingly been back to back it might be worse. It can be easy to get swept up in the preparation, stress 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.
Giving thanks out loud to those we care about is a way to lift the spirits of those around us, and to practice gratefulness is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Gratitude is an affirmation of goodness. Giving thanks internally reminds us there is good in the world. More good than bad. I wish you the time and space to revel in the goodness in your life this holiday season.
I’m grateful I get make a living helping people in various stages of reinvention find their financial security in business ownership, fulfilling their life long dreams in many cases. It’s rewarding, challenging work and I feel I am making a difference in their lives.