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Thanksgiving Gratitude

By: Stephanie Shin

This thanksgiving, many may assume that there is scant to be thankful for especially with the state of our country and the current pandemic. Although many won’t be able to go back home for the routine family dinner and some will be stuck in a shoebox-sized dorm, this pandemic has brought out a lot of positive impacts that you may just not realize.

Today I’ll be sharing four gratitude-centered practices you can do, with or without family and friends, on Thanksgiving day that will incite copious amounts of appreciation and warmth.

 

Thanksgiving Gratitude Practices 

  1. The morning of November 26th, wake up and take a walk of gratitude. Getting outside and experiencing the energy that comes from taking in the brisk fall air, hearing the crunch of the leaves underneath your feet, and feeling the sun shining on your skin will aid you in observing and contemplating this past year and what it has brought to you.
  2. Once you return back home, take a piece of paper and write down your thoughts. Whether it’s who you’re thankful for, what you’re thankful for, a moment you cherish, or an accomplishment you were able to achieve this year; allow yourself to write it down on paper and celebrate not only others but yourself as well.
  3. Many may dread having to cook an elaborate and delicious Thanksgiving dinner. Fear not. Not only do I have three quick yet tasty appetizers, main course, and dessert recipes (coming soon) for you to whip up, but cooking doesn’t have to be stressful. Turn on some music that places you in a positive mindset and enjoy the process—whether that’s singing, dancing, or just enjoying the music! In my opinion, we need to stop only showing gratitude for the colossal achievements, but also for the small things such as simply having the ability to make a Thanksgiving dinner.
  4. Once the dinner is prepared, take one more moment before you savor the delicious food and recite a gratitude mantra. One of my favorites that have resonated this past year is: 

“ Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were big things.”

– Robert Brault 

Although the holidays may look and feel different this year, mindset can change everything. I hope by implementing these four rituals, you will experience a subtle yet powerfully collective feeling of gratitude on Thanksgiving day.