Gratitude Kick-in-the-Pants

I'll admit it - lately, I've been in a negativity spiral. Things too complicated and personal to explain here seemed to pile on me all at once and when that happens, I often find my positive outlook is the first thing to wander off in search of greener pastures.

So for me, Thanksgiving comes at the perfect time. What I need is a good, old fashioned Gratitude kick-in-the-pants.

And before anyone else mentions it, yes - the origin of the holiday (which we're taught in school began with the feast that brought the pilgrims and the Native Americans together to overcome their differences) carries a heavy weight of sarcasm considering the true nature of this historic relationship. I don't know if kids are still taught this story. It's my hope that Thanksgiving is taught as a celebration of the harvest - a moment to take time for giving thanks and recognizing the abundance that surrounds us. The relationship of our ancestors and the Native Americans is a separate and important issue, one to consider thoughtfully - especially in light of our current political times. However, this is not a topic for this article.

That said, I wanted to review this idea of gratitude - why it's important and how it can be used throughout the year, to keep us from diving into that negativity spiral when the events of life conspire against us.

Why Is Gratitude So Important?

It's healthy!

Studies show that daily gratitude exercises (the routine of giving thanks) can help lower stress levels, improve energy, and boost mental health.

It's productive!
Don't we all get more done when we feel positive, full of energy and less stressed?

It's calming!

Taking a few minutes to consciously think of the things you are thankful for will help you slow down and concentrate on something positive rather than simply on getting the next project started.

It feels GOOD!

All of these things are like little massages for your soul, heart and mind. Every piece of you will appreciate the benefits of showing gratitude.

Where Do I Start?

Starting a daily routine of showing gratitude is easy:

1. Make an effort to focus on what you have, not what you lack

2. Try to notice the little things that give you pleasure but often get overlooked

3. Start a "Gratitude Journal" in which you write a few things each day that you are thankful for

4. Keep a gratitude reminder in your pocket - it can be a pretty rock or a small token of some sort . Anytime you touch it, notice it or move it in or out of your pocket, think of something you are grateful for.

5. Tell someone important to you what it means to have them in your life

6. Make it a goal to say "thank you" 20, 30, even 50 times in one day - watch how people respond, watch how you respond to the world around you.

Gratitude In Action: 10 things I am grateful for this Thanksgiving

1. My supportive, encouraging and never judgmental boyfriend, Mr. Toolbox. There's nothing more comforting that knowing you always have a fan, an ally, and a shoulder to cry on when needed.

2. My health and the health of my loved ones. May our good fortune continue far into the future.

3. My beautiful best friend, who makes me laugh at myself and just has that way of getting it. She's one of those friends who has surpassed "friend" and has actually become family.

4. My family - for all the ups and downs, I still see myself in each of them. And who wants a functional family anyway? What fun is that??

5. My job and the people I work for. There's something very rewarding about going to a job where the people are willing to invest in you - time, money, resources. It makes you feel as loyal as the day is long.

6. My kitties - two incredibly needy fur balls of unconditional love and affection. Hassi says "Hi" - she is intently watching my fingers type this post. Chester says, "Do you have any food?" (He has a slight weight problem but we don't talk about that....) Anyway, they make me want to come home and stay home.

7. Wonderful books that you can't put down - (Get Eat, Pray, Love and read it now!)

8. My new fiction writing class that is full of talented, supportive writers who inspire me.

9. The refrigerator full of food that will likely go bad before I eat it all. How many people in the world have that luxury? I guess I lucked out somewhere ...

10. The next four days off of work to be spent eating, eating, and....eating. The holiday tradition of gluttony!! Hooray!

And one to grow on...

11. You - the readers who care enough to click on my post in their feedreader (or receive my email updates). I don't know that I will always be able to keep this up but you guys have been very supportive and loyal and you deserve a huge "thank you". May you be well, eat well, and give unabashed gratitude this Thanksgiving - wherever you are!!