Holidays are a mixed bag for a lot of people. The media tells us we should be feeling good and enjoying time with family and friends. But for many of us who come from less than perfect families or whose friends are far away, it can be a lonely time. Yet, gratitude is a practice that works no matter how you feel. Keeping this in mind, here are some things to be grateful for.
- As we’ve gotten older, we may have also grown apart from some family members, but the people who are still around are the ones who really matter.
- The past may have hurt, but you still have a future. You can learn from mistakes, and make the next year better than the last.
- Only you can control your happiness. You have the power to walk away from toxic people.
- Dinner might not be as big this year, but that means preparation and clean up won’t take as long.
- Even though distance might keep you apart from some loved ones, they’re always just a phone call away.
- It’s never too late to re-invent yourself and follow new dreams.
- People may have done you wrong, but they taught you what not to be and what not to do.
- You might get into the habit of overthinking, but be grateful that you know now to stop.
- You have a source of great power: your intuition. You can always rely on it.
- If you have a roof over your head, good friends, and food on the table, you have a lot.
A few quotes about gratitude, chosen by Anita Licis-Ribak, Founder of fromabirdie.com:
“Thank you is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.” – Alice Walker
“Appreciation can change a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” – Margaret Cousins
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie
