As October draws to a close and the end of the year races ever nearer, the time to begin thinking about Thanksgiving Day and all you'd like to reflect upon is here. The holiday offers the perfect opportunity to spend time with your family and other loved ones and be thankful for the life that you lead and the blessings on your table. With that said, not everyone feels thankful on Thanksgiving – and that's okay. Let's look at some of the ways to appreciate the day and find reasons to be thankful.
Reasons to Be Thankful
There are likely many reasons to feel gratitude in your life, but exactly what are you thankful for on Thanksgiving? As the name implies, the holiday is traditionally used as a time to sit and give thanks for the good things in our lives. What this means will vary from person to person, however many people look to their personal accomplishments or relationships as a source of gratitude. The truth, however, is that being thankful isn't a one-size-fits-all issue.
If you don't feel particularly grateful for more traditional reasons this year, don't worry – this isn't uncommon, and you aren't alone. It might be helpful to consider what makes you happy in life and go from there. Whether it is a pet, a favorite food, or an enjoyable movie, there is nothing too small to appreciate on Thanksgiving Day. Remember that the goal of the holiday isn't to compare your life with those of the people around you, too. You're here to be happy about your own accomplishments and joys, whatever those might be.
Being Thankful on Thanksgiving
Sometimes the holidays can be difficult. From feuding families to world events, finding a reason to be happy might seem all but impossible. The reality is that this isn't an unusual reaction, especially given today's complicated and difficult reality. And, of course, our ability to be thankful is heavily dependent on the loved ones we have around us. An unexpected funeral or even sick children or spouses can increase the chances of an unhappy Thanksgiving by quite a bit.
If you are finding yourself struggling to be thankful for anything at all, don't worry – there are still steps you can take to find some peace and happiness this year.
First, accept how you feel and be kind to yourself. Whether or not you are expected to feel happy on Thanksgiving Day, you have to accept that you feel the way you feel and that your emotions are valid. That means that if you're unhappy or apathetic, that's okay.
Next, recognize why you feel the way you do. Are you dealing with the death or illness of a loved one, or are you struggling with something else? When you understand why you're unhappy, you are better equipped to change your circumstances. That's not something you're expected to do in a single day, of course, but it's never a bad idea to reflect upon your feelings and their causes.
Consider creating a plan, or even simply jotting down a step or two, to help you great the next holiday with a lighter heart. This plan and the steps within it can be as complicated or straightforward as you'd like. The important thing is that you take a step towards bettering your circumstances and improving your situation.
Here are some supplements for you:
