Gratitude in Action: Simple Practices that Foster Appreciation and Positivity

According to the dictionary, gratitude is a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation for the good things in life:

• It can be directed at people, events, circumstances, or intangible things like good health or personal growth.
• It involves recognizing and acknowledging the goodness around us.
• It can be experienced spontaneously, but consciously cultivating it can benefit mental health.
• It can be a state or a trait. You can experience gratitude for someone or something at a certain moment or experience it more long-term as a positive character trait.

The word gratitude comes from the Latin word gratus or gratis, which means “pleasing” or “thankful.”

In the United States, November is Thanksgiving month. This year, it falls on November 28th. It’s one of the most celebrated days of the year when we travel hundreds of miles to our families to share a Thanksgiving meal and see friends. My family is one of the numerous families who will be driving, flying, and walking to get together.

We celebrate our current lives and those who have gone before us! You see, this has been a year of difficulties…but, it has not been the first Thanksgiving where we faced difficulties.  My nephew passed away in a car accident on Thanksgiving Day over fifteen years ago. He was the light of our lives and in the prime of his life. We got through that!

Here are some examples of people, events, and personal reasons for which I’m grateful:

1. Family Members: This year, my husband had a major health setback – he had his leg amputated. My father also had a stroke during that time, and they were both in rehab at the same time. We would not have gotten through the numerous surgeries and setbacks if my family hadn’t turned up to support us. They provided unconditional love, support, and guidance during that difficult time.

 

For instance, my mom cooked and made sure that I had a hot meal when I came home from the hospital. Having a safe, comfortable place to call home, where you feel secure and at ease, is a fundamental source of gratitude.  My family regularly showed up at the hospitals and rehab facilities to encourage my husband, my father, and me that times would get better. A simple visit from someone brought a smile to their faces, along with a few hours of conversation.

 

At the same time, the newest member of our family had her first birthday this year. Bringing her to visit brought so much joy to everyone around her.  She was a beacon of hope in a dim day.

 

2. Teachers or Mentors: Thanks to Zoom, I’m grateful for the teachers of the professional development classes, speaking engagements, and podcasts in which I participated. These individuals had a profound impact on my personal and professional development, offering wisdom and inspiration.

 

It also allowed me to take well-needed mental health breaks where I concentrated only on my needs instead of being a caregiver. These interactions gave me time to reflect on what I want to do with my business and life.

I also thought of a teacher who sparked my interest in learning new things.  She was the first person who recognized that I was bored with the work I was doing and gave me advanced work to keep me from disrupting her class.

3. Friends: True friends were there to share my joys and support me through challenges. Friends who listened without judgment and celebrated my successes and challenges were invaluable.

 

• A special thanks goes out to the members of the Women Presidents Organization who jumped in and helped with closing my husband’s law practice, giving referrals for moving men to close the church, or those who simply called or sent cards.
• I will be forever grateful to Elizabeth, Maureen, Linda, and Peggy—to name a few—who all called me regularly to see how I’m doing. Thanks for putting me on your calendars so you don’t miss my calls. Thanks for chastising me when I didn’t keep you up to date on EVERYTHING!!
• Thanks to my social media friends who regularly “e-checked” on me. People whom I never met in person became friends by sharing what they did in similar situations.

 

How do we show our gratitude to those who have been there for us and appreciate their support? Besides saying “Thank You,” how can we do our part? Being able to enjoy life and pursue our passions without physical limitations is something to be deeply grateful for.

1. Put special events on your calendar. I love getting Happy Birthday greetings on LinkedIn, Facebook, and any social media. It cheers me up, and I try to return the favor to as many social media friends as possible because I don’t know what kind of day that person is having. So, show your gratitude by reaching out on birthdays, anniversaries, the birth of a baby, graduations, etc. to just wish someone well.
2. Go on a memorable trip. Traveling to a new place, especially with someone who needs to get away, can broaden your horizons, introduce you to new cultures, and create lasting memories. It can be as simple as going to the local zoo or aquarium. You can also take a ride to the country, visit a new restaurant, or eat a new cuisine.
3. Acknowledge Personal Achievements: Whether it’s completing a marathon, learning a new skill, or overcoming a personal challenge, these events can boost confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment.

The chance to learn, grow, and improve oneself, whether through education, career, or personal experiences, is a valuable aspect of life. I’m forever grateful and thankful to live in a place where I’m allowed to pursue those goals.

I’m thankful for the readers of this blog as you inspire me to continue sharing my thoughts.

Happy Thanksgiving!