Attitudes of Gratitude that last beyond Thanksgiving
Does the, "I'm thankful for..." attitude that we try to cultivate during Thanksgiving fully translate when it becomes, "Thank you for the socks, Grandma" at Christmas? Are we still focused on how we've been blessed as we make New Year's resolutions to change what we don't like? What about beyond that?
These are big questions, so take some time to think them over for your own life. Here's an interesting activity that can help you identify what you're really grateful for, and ensure that "thanksgiving" is more than simply lip-service paid in the winter months.
Fill in the following blanks. Answer for yourself, or if you can't think of anything, write what you imagine a common answer might be. No one else needs to see this, so be honest.
Favorite gifts I have been given:
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Things in my life that I am thankful for:
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What I would like to have more of in my life:
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Now... Imagine that, for the rest of your life, you can have seven of the things you listed. You can no longer have or replace the other eight. Which seven would you choose?
This is a hard activity at first, but once you begin to recognize the types of things you're really grateful for, and especially why, the choices become more clear.
Keep in mind that the ultimate point of this isn't to deprive you, but to shed a light on what's truly important to you so you can remember it going forward. The world will continue to hold up more and more things in front of you, saying that now, more than ever, "you need this," or, "you deserve that." Every day, there is something new to pull your focus in a different direction. But, in the big picture of your life, the things that are important to you, and your ability to express your gratitude for them, should be steadfast.