Thanksgiving such a WONDERFUL holiday! But the giving of thanks itself, I realize, is something I need to practice. It does not come naturally to me or most adult people. I am more likely to focus on the one thing that is wrong and take for granted what is right. Taking my blessings for granted is not something I am proud of. It is just who I am, but I am trying to become more intentional about being grateful. How does Paul put it in Phillipians 4? Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING make your requests known to God……I tend to be thankful for nothing but in everything be anxious! In fact how many times have I wanted something and then forgotten to even say thank you when I received it?
So listing my blessings may help! Let’s begin with born in America! There are many other beautiful locations on this globe and I am grateful for the freedom to visit them. But living here where I can write an uncensored blog? Well, I am grateful……
Then there is that two edged blessing of FOOD EVERYWHERE! In so many homes, finding enough to eat is a struggle. I know this occurs even in this land of plenty. But for most of us, we fight against obesity rather than starvation. That is a wonder. While sometimes I wish I had more willpower to not eat everything I see, the fact that I see so much food every day is something for which I am very grateful….
I am thankful for a warm home, and I would willingly kiss the feet of those responsible for hot showers!! Microwaves and cellphones, planes and satellites, good books and the ability to read, music and the ability to hear my loved one’s voices. Actually years ago, I read that it would help to list 5 things each day that I am grateful for and daily add to that list. That is how I found out that my list is actually endless. That was a surprising exercise…..
I also discovered that the smallest things can give the greatest pleasure. If you want to feel like a kid again, look at things anew! In a child’s eye everything is WOW! Look at those stars! Look at that bug! Feel that breeze! It’s SNOWING!!!!! There is something about a child-like outlook that keeps you feeling young. I don’t want to be childish….but I do want to have that child-like sense of wonder. As I said in my first blog, the world is a beautiful place and I want to slow down and enjoy it.
So …….Happy Giving of Thanks!!!
It’s so true that people who focus on the negative things in their lives often completely lose sight of all their blessings. In my practice I treat a lot of people with depression and have noticed that these unfortunate people are usually dwelling on the misfortunes in their lives. They do so to the point that that’s all they can see.
One thing I’ve discovered that helps is to have them keep a daily log which they have to bring back for me to read in one month. The requirement is that every day they have to write down one thing that is good in their lives. I’ll usually give them an example like, “My children are healthy.” I’ll go over it with them when they come back and try to point out all of these things. In my experience, it’s helped to redirect their focus.
I love your thoughts for Thanksgiving . We all need to concentrate on what we have been given. I think people tend to think about what we want instead of being grateful for what we have .
Most people in America have plenty.Try to look into who has little in your community and try to do something about it.