grat·i·tude
noun
The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
It might be pretty common to start being more mindful about everything you are thankful for around this time of year. I think most people are finding it difficult to find a way to reflect on 2020 and feel grateful. There are a lot of people who have lost loved ones, their jobs, time with family and friends, important events, plans, etc. I would like to preface this post by saying everyone was affected by the pandemic in different ways. While I reflect on ways that I was able to recognize new things to be thankful for, I understand that is not everyone’s experience.
I’ll start off by saying that I am a firm believer that what you put out into the world, will come back to you. Whether it’s something small like holding the door for someone or something bigger like volunteering—I really do believe that being a positive person in the world will bring positivity back to you. I’m also big into the idea of romanticizing the mundane things in life—your morning coffee, a walk through the city, dressing up and putting on your favorite perfume for an important meeting, etc. I think both of these beliefs mixed with having good perspective, have given me the skills to find a lot of silver linings to be thankful for in 2020.
There’s a quote I love that says “The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see” I really think this quote is so true at all times, however, it seems really fitting right now. In trying times, it’s hard to stop and smell the roses and really recognize what there is to be grateful for. My take on this quote is that the more you make a conscious effort to realize that there is a lot to be thankful for, big or small, you start noticing how many good things and people there are around you. I have always tried to be really intentional about being grateful for what I have in my life. I think having these conscious thoughts in my everyday life perpetuates the habit and allows me to see more positivity around me.
Lately I’ve been working really hard on being present. I don’t think this is something I’ve struggled with, but I definitely could be better at it. Aside from spending a lot less time on my phone, I have also started “gratitude journaling.” This is something that I actually saw on Pinterest that I thought was interesting. I don’t journal or write in any way shape or form, besides for the blog. I figured I’d give it a try since it seemed fitting for this time of year—and I really liked it. I’ve been writing things I’m grateful for daily (smaller things) as well as things I’ve been grateful for throughout this challenging year (larger things). Here is a quick list of things I wrote down on my first day of gratitude journaling, since it is the most encompassing.
1. Wasn’t injured in my car accident yesterday – cars are replaceable
2. It’s sunny and warm enough to run outside today
3. I got 9 hours of sleep last night and feel well rested and energized
4. I feel prepared for my workday – grateful that I have a secure job throughout these uncertain times
5. My company is extremely supportive, understanding, and accommodating of the times we’re in. They gave us an extra day off the week of Thanksgiving as a Health and WELLth day.
6. I finally found Stok at the grocery store so I made a delicious iced coffee this morning
7. Was able to spend the most quality time with my family this year than ever before
8. Alison and Anthony finally moved to Boston and having them close is EVERYTHING
9. I’ve been able to spend so much time with my best friend and my goddaughter that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. Although it was hard when she was first born, working from home and not travelling every week has allowed me to see her so much more than I would have.
10. Pandemic requirements willing, I will be able to enjoy Thanksgiving with my loved ones and enjoy a nice meal at home.
I will say that I think the other part of gratitude is giving back or helping others in any way you are able to. I am well aware that not everyone could write down the same ten things to be grateful for as me. Actually, by writing down the tenth thing I was grateful for, made me think about how I can contribute to ensuring that other people can have a nice Thanksgiving meal. In an effort to do my part, I donated to The Greater Boston Food Bank to help with those struggling with hunger in Eastern Massachusetts this holiday season. I highly recommend doing something like this in your area if you are able to. Another great way to give back to your community during the holidays is by participating in programs like Adopt a Family or Toys for Tots. These are both organizations that I donate to every year and would highly recommend looking into.
I think a huge part of gratitude is being willing to return kindness, so this is something that I try to be mindful about all year around. Whether it’s paying for someone’s Starbucks order in the drive through, volunteering, donating to charity, being a good friend, or doing a favor for a coworker. I try to think about gratitude as recognizing ways that I am thankful and trying to do my part to give others reasons to be grateful. Overall, I wanted to get the message across that by giving and showing gratitude, especially during the holidays, it’s a great way to perpetuate positivity and light—particularly during a year filled with hardships and challenges. Please feel free to comment about what you’re grateful for this year!
