Put a Little bit of Thanksgiving into Every Day

“What does it mean to be grateful?” asks Elaine Smookler in an article she wrote for Mindful magazine. On this beautiful Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, we naturally reflect on that which we’re thankful for. As you think about the things that you’re are grateful for, you’ll quickly realize that much of what makes your list aren’t big things, but rather, little things that make you feel appreciative.

According to Smookler, and I agree, being grateful “…doesn’t mean convincing yourself of some bogus notion that everything’s fine and dandy. Living your life with gratitude means choosing to focus your time and attention on what you appreciate. The goal is not to block out difficulties, but to approach those difficulties from a different perspective. Appreciation softens us. It soothes our turbulent minds by connecting us with the wonderfully ordinary things, great and small, that we might otherwise take for granted.”

What do you take for granted? I admit, I take my morning coffee for granted. I take my family for granted, and sometimes, I take my friends for granted. I take my internet connection for granted. When it’s gone, I realize how much I take it for granted.

When something or somebody isn’t there, you realize how much you miss it. These are the things that I think we should reflect on. Not only this weekend, but every day. If you appreciate someone in your life, tell them. If you are thankful for the ability to walk, reflect on it and notice how your thought patterns change. Begin to notice the little, maybe mundane, things throughout your day that you are grateful for. I suspect that doing this will bring a bit of joy to your heart.

Please know that I am thankful for you, this weekend and every day.