Gratitude

Coming up to the time of Thanksgiving, we might ask ourselves what we are grateful for in our lives. It’s also a time of tradition, with some expectations about how to celebrate this occasion, either from a cultural perspective, or a set of personal traditions that come from your own community and family. Thanksgiving can look and feel quite different for each person. In the same way, what lights us up with gratitude is unique to each of us.

After years of simply enjoying culinary over-indulgence, last year something shifted for me personally. We were a couple of months into the ‘new normal’ that had been created in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and had been through our own journey of losing things that we had once taken for granted. When Thanksgiving came, and thankfully many of our utilities had finally been restored, I was flooded with love and appreciation for all the things, people and experiences in life that I felt grateful for. The feeling of expansive warmth and deep wonder I felt on that day still resonates in my body.

Having a gratitude practice is a popular idea that many people use to keep them uplifted from day to day. From my own experience, sometimes it can be difficult to really embody this feeling of thankfulness. At times when I’ve been going through personal upheaval and challenges, or even when I’m just having a bad day, it becomes a struggle to feel or even notice the things that support and uplift me. Life can seem like a race to get things done, one where reward and rejuvenation seem like luxuries instead of essential self-care. Truly uplifting activities might also be quite different from those that I’m in the habit of spending time on as a quick fix or distraction when I’m tired.

But in slowing down a little, and taking some moments to intentionally bring my resources to mind, I become more aware of the things available to me that keep me energised and help me to feel balanced. Those things might be special occasions like vacations, or big like the love and support of my loved ones. And sometimes they can be quiet and simple, like my favourite foods and TV shows! I’m grateful for running water and long, hot baths.. Letting cold river water rush over my feet…Music that is so beautiful it gives me goosebumps.. I’m grateful for little connections with people that make me smile and laugh, even if I thought I didn’t feel like smiling or laughing!

Knowing what truly lifts you up can be a priceless tool in navigating life, that you can call upon whenever you need to. A storehouse of resources that you can always draw upon. What is it in your life that brings you joy and supports you? Take a moment this Thanksgiving (and beyond!) to get to know the gifts that life is giving you!