Giving Thanks

“What does that mean to you? Do you feel thankful? Thankfulness is often associated with gratitude.

What has this year brought up for you? How will you round out the year and how do you want to go into the next?

This is a time to honor yourself, your loved ones, and just surviving this thing called life. People will tell you it’s negative to say life is hard. It’s not negative, it’s honest. For some, life can be very hard whether you are dealing with a mental illness or experiencing a change in your general mental health.

Here are some things you can do to honor what you are thankful for. And…if you really want to turn Thanksgiving on its ear, you can recognize those things you are not so thankful for and bury or release them.

Here are 5 ways to give thanks and to release those things that do not serve you.

1. Hold a vigil/light a candle(s) for those that are no longer here

2. Pay it forward — next time at Starbucks or something similar, pay for the person behind you or pass out flowers to people in the grocery line

3. Handwrite a letter of thanks to friends and family

4. Do something crafty for those around you — it’s cool to make oil candles or special picture framed quotes and use them as place settings for holiday gatherings. (google craft ideas)

5. Take yourself out on a date — just you!

Release those things that do not serve you:

1. Write it on a strip of paper and attach it to a balloon and let it float away

2. Write out everything that no longer serves you, put the notes in a bottle and throw it in the ocean

3. Plant a tree or pot a bulb for everything you are not thankful for and nurture it so it can grow into something beautiful. (If you don’t have a green thumb, buy plants or something nice to represent turning that negative to a positive.

4. Draw how you are feeling

5. Exercise — Don’t just go to the gym although that is helpful too. Find a kickboxing class or a class that you can punch or kick or both. Lots of companies like 9Round Fitness and others will give you a free introductory workout. Or you can go to a Break room and smash some stuff. Be cognizant of your physical abilities but this can be extremely cathartic.”

Read the full article on Medium

✨Takeaway: Giving thanks helps to appreciate yourself, loved ones, and accomplishments. It helps you be aware of all the benefits that have came to you. Importantly, gratitude can also coexist alongside other emotions like anger or loss. So, you may also recognize those and try to release them.

✨Reflection: What is something you are thankful for?

#Gratitude #Appreciation #Positive #Thanks #Thankful