Thanksgiving thanks | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Luckily Thanksgiving Isn't The Only Day To Show Thanks

There are also 364 other days out of the year to feel thankful for.

39
Luckily Thanksgiving Isn't The Only Day To Show Thanks
Leah Fryar

Thanksgiving is undoubtedly one of my favorite days out of the entire year. There is nothing that beats wonderful food, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and being surrounded by family. It is also a day that many sit back and reflect upon what they are grateful for. I love the idea of getting in a circle with family members and sharing what you are thankful for.

What if instead of just choosing this special holiday and others to show thanks we decided to spend a few minutes or seconds of each and every day to reflect on what we are grateful for? Gratitude involves being aware of and willing to express thanks. Changing the lens through which we view our world can ultimately change the way we live and experience life itself.

There is no magic formula for finding gratefulness. Instead, the most simple practices can reframe the ways in which we perceive our surrounding environment. Challenge yourself to keep a journal where you regularly report what you are grateful for on any given day. The list does not have to pages long or extremely difficult to write. Record what first comes to mind and let your mind come up with a list seamlessly.

Another option is to take inspirational quotes and pictures that you can put around your house, car, work or other places where you spend a lot of time. Picking the quotes and images you would like to use can also be really fun. Having positive messages around you can make you refocus on what is important to you. Simple gratitude practices can aid in boosting one's feelings of happiness and lower anxious feelings.

Be mindful in all that you do. Speak kindly and give simple gestures to others that let you know that you appreciate them. Call your mom to let her know you love her and are grateful for all she has done for you. Smile at strangers when you walk past them. Hold the door for those behind you. Have good intentions. Avoid negativity by surrounding yourself with positive people. Make time for those that mean the most, not just on the holidays.

Each of these acts seems so simple in nature but require a conscious effort. This means you should consciously try to include some simple acts in your life every single day.

There are so many simple ways to live a life full of gratitude on all days out of the year and not just on the holidays. Go ahead and see how living with continuous gratitude for what you have can change the way you see the world around you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Christmas Socks  Fireplace
Wesley Tingey

Christmas is arguably one of the most popular holidays of the year. Whether you think Christmas celebrations should be strictly reserved for December, or you're setting up your tree and lights on November 1st, Christmas time is the best time. Filling an entire month with Christmas activities seems like it could be impossible, but I am here to fix that for you. Here are twenty-five of the best things to do in the twenty-five days leading up to Christmas.

Keep Reading...Show less
smiling girl in pink and white stripe shirt

I'll never forget the day that someone told me these words: "Madison, I think you're a good friend to everyone but yourself." I stood there completely in awe of that statement. Before that day, I never really thought about being a friend to myself, and at the time, I didn't really know what it meant. Now, I realize that you can't fully be there for other people unless you're there for yourself, too. You can't show up for others until you're willing to show up for yourself.

Here are five things everyone should learn in order to be a better friend to themselves. These steps are hard, but they're so worth it.

Keep Reading...Show less
Christmas decorations
YouTube

Finals, exams and papers - oh my! The only thing keeping you sane at the moment is the thought that Christmas break is near. Need a mid-week pick-me-up? Here are some simple things you can do to stay motivated and get into the Christmas spirit.

1. Play Christmas Music

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

21 Things We All Love About Winter

Despite the cold, you might find that there is a lot to love about winter.

570
pine cone winter
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

We all have a love hate relationship with winter, lets be real here. The snow makes people forget how to drive, its cold, the roads are bad, and chances are, you will be spending a lot more money than you do during the other months of the year. If you’re from the Midwest, it seems to be that winter lasts for what feels like forever. But despite the struggles that winter brings, there are so many things to love about it.

Keep Reading...Show less
christmas shopping bags

Shopping for your family and friends can be expensive. So why not make something small and cute while not emptying your bank account?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments