Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Thankful Thoughts Take Practice

Being  thankful doesn’t come automatically. It is something that has to  be learned. I mean, have you ever noticed how some people are great at  thank you notes while you aren’t? Guilty. Not only do you have to learn  how to be thankful, but it can be expressed in so many ways: a smile,  compliment, card, gift, a kiss or hug, or even a kind deed. No matter  the action, true gratitude comes from the heart, and it is a choice.

Choosing to be thankful starts with your thoughts. Many are starting to  use thankful journals to raise awareness, forcing themselves to think  on thankful thoughts.  This works better if you make a master list of  things you are thankful for (i.e. God, church, family, kids, home,  work) that tend to be general in nature. Items on this master list  can’t be repeated. You will have to stretch a little harder, dig a  little deeper for this activity. And, oh, by the way, it’s also best  not to journal every night. Try 3-4 times a week. Our goal is to  reflect and be thankful from the heart; not to mark something off of a checklist.

Another way to practice thankful thoughts is by raising your awareness  outside your home. Strolling through the store, allow your mind to be  reminded of special friends and loved ones you are thankful for. Surely  you know someone who loves Dr. Pepper, some kind of snack, a certain  type of shirt (or color). Take it a step further. Put it into action –  buy it. Sending texts affirming someone works wonders as well.

As times get tough, it’s hard to find something to be thankful for,  unless you’ve practiced thankful thoughts. Even when it’s hard, it’s  not impossible. There is always something to be thankful for, as this  poem expresses so beautifully.

I’m thankful for the wife who says it’s hot dogs tonight because she is home with me and not out with someone else.
The husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato because he is home with me and not out at the bars.
The teenager who is complaining about doing dishes because it means she is at home, not on the streets.

The taxes I pay because it means I am employed.

The mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
The clothes that fit a little too snugly because it means I have enough to eat.
My shadow that watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine, and for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a house.
All the complaining I hear about the government because it means we have freedom of speech.

The parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking and have been blessed with transportation.
My huge cooling bill because it means I am comfortable.
The lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means I can hear.

The pile of laundry and ironing because it means I have clothes to wear.
Weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been capable of working hard.
The alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means I am alive.
—submitted by Frances Shipp, Weaver High School, Weaver, Alabama

Choose to practice thankful thoughts and you will sleep better and live a less stressful life.

What struck you the most from this poem or post?

 

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© 2015, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.