With so much to do around the holidays, and the stress that cooking lots of food and getting together with others may bring, we can feel a little less than grateful during the busy moments.
Here are a few things that you can do to switch your focus to gratitude this Thanksgiving:
- Stay in the moment. Don’t worry about everything you’ve got to do- the turkey, the tablecloth, the stuffing, the cranberry sauce. The holidays are about getting together with the people that you love (friends, family and more). Embrace that fact and try to stay in the moment as much as possible without worrying about what’s coming next. You will get to it later.
- Count your blessings. You have a lot more to be thankful for than you realize. Make a list of all of those things. I do this every year, and it really helps to put things into perspective.
- Remember what’s important. Try to think about what’s important and what is not important when it comes to breaking down tasks and crossing items off of your to-do list. Focus first and foremost on the things that are important and mean something to you personally. Everything else is gravy.
- Give back. When you take care of others that have less than you do, it helps to put things into perspective. So, this Thanksgiving, take a moment (or many) to give back to others as part of being thankful- volunteer, donate, and lend a hand. It will lift others and make you feel more fulfilled.
- Let things go. Sure, at least one or more of your relatives is going to say something that offends you. Try not to take it to heart, though, and don’t engage in making any negative comments back. Chances are that you’re taking it too personally. Learn to just shake it off and redirect the conversation in a more positive way. If you don’t let it go, it can destroy your experience, and that of everyone else, and you don’t want that.
- Indulge in a little self-care. Don’t forget to take care of yourself or you’ll get rundown and won’t be in a festive mood. Be sure that you are getting enough sleep, exercise, and that you are being kind and patient with yourself. Doing so will give you the right mindset for being grateful.
Here’s wishing you a happy, healthy and grateful Thanksgiving. I am thankful for many things including you!