Gratitude (without the toxic positivity)

November is National Gratitude Month. (I feel like this was the obvious month to choose- lol!)

Gratitude has been shown to have a beneficial effect on our mental and emotional well-being. It can also have a positive impact on those around us.  However, it can feel difficult to find the balance between honoring the things we are thankful for, while acknowledging the challenges we may be facing. 

This month may be an ideal time to create a new habit focused on gratitude.  Knowing that habits take time to develop into longer standing patterns, it makes sense to start with a practice that feels manageable.

If daily gratitude feels like “too much,” maybe this can be a weekly commitment. (Most of all, maybe it makes sense to extend some self-compassion, and adjust your expectations regarding what this can actually look like!)

Some people like to write in a gratitude journal.  Some people like to keep a gratitude jar throughout the month… or throughout the year. (My girls and I do this, and, at the end of the year, we love reading the things that were significant to us!)  Some people like to post on social media. However, some people just like to think of gratitude, without the commitment of “doing” anything with the information.

There is no “right” way to connect with gratitude, and feeling grateful does not need to be connected to tangible items or specific experiences. Even the simple things, the things that we often overlook, can be a source of gratitude. 

Here are some categories to consider when connecting with gratitude:

*The people in your life, whether in the past or present.

*The roles you play in life, through work or community connections.

*The things that bring you laughter, including your ability to laugh at yourself.

*The things that bring you comfort when you need it.

*The experiences that took you by surprise because they turned out better than expected.

*The “traditions” embedded in daily life that add structure and predictability to your day.  

*The ways that you have navigated challenging times, and what you learned about yourself.

Connecting with gratitude will not erase the harsh realities of our lives.  However, it can help us feel a bit more balance as we make our way through the twists and turns of life.