Gratitude

The holiday season is supposed to be full of happiness and cheer, but if we are going to be honest, it usually encompasses more stress and chaos then anything else. People are generally scrambling to prepare the house for family, battle crowds at the grocery store to get food for thanksgiving dinner, brave Black Friday madness, while semi-dreading all of the quickly approaching December festivities. In the midst of the rat race, it is often difficult to remember what Thanksgiving is really about.

This year, I was grateful I was able to fly back to the West Coast to spend Thanksgiving with my family and friends. It was my seven year old cousin that reminded me of the meaning of the holidays when he showed me his Thanksgiving placemat he made for school. I picked it up and read the border where he had written:

Dear God,

Thank you for the trees, people, animals, school, legs, earth, wind, air, people, moths, and hair.

Sometimes, the innocence and simplicity of children remind you of what is really important during the holidays.

Taking the opportunity to appreciate all the things we have to be grateful for is a great mindfulness practice. It is much easier to focus on the negatives and the “wants” in life instead of being thankful for all the things we take for granted. Next time you wake up and don’t want to get out of bed or the next time you are having a terrible day, take a couple minutes to tell yourself five things you are grateful. Writing down a gratitude list may seem stupid or obsolete in the moment, but it is a small, simple reminder of how lucky we are.

Gratitude list

1. Loving family

2. Beautiful California weather

3. Delicious food

4. Visiting friends

5. Adorable pets

Happy holidays!