The Art of Thankfulness
When someone pays you a compliment, do you say “thank you” or come up with a million reasons why you don’t deserve it? Being thankful – and accepting the thanks and praise of others – is truly an art, and there’s no better time to celebrate it than during the month of Thanksgiving. Looking for ways to be a little more thankful? Cultivate gratitude by: –Making a note of five things you are thankful or grateful for every day. You can write them down, close your eyes and note them, or say them out loud to others. The simple act of appreciating the small things can help you be more thankful year-round.
–Trying to turn a negative into a positive. Stuck in a long line at the grocery store or bank? Return a text to a friend you’ve been meaning to reach out to. Frustrated by too much to do at home? Focus on what you have and not what you have to do. Try to see the bright side even on the dark days. –Create a new Thanksgiving ritual. Whether it’s a long walk in the morning, letting your kids choose their favorite side dish for your meal or reading a special book at night, come up with a new ritual that you can incorporate into this holiday to cultivate more gratitude. –Accept compliments with a smile. It’s hard to give thanks if you can’t receive it yourself. Learn to say “thank you” and appreciate the thankfulness of others.
