How to Be Thankful
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it is important to look back and consider all the things you are thankful for. Sometimes that can be difficult to do because it’s easy to take your life for granted. Here are a few great ways to help remind you of all the things in your life you can really appreciate.
• Change Your Language – Words can be powerful and if you use the wrong ones, they can put a damper on your outlook. Making slight changes to your vocabulary can really change your attitude. One of the biggest that you’re probably an offender of is saying, “I wish…” Now, there’s nothing wrong with having dreams and ambitions but what you’re really saying when you say, “I wish,” is, “I’m afraid to try because I might fail.” From now on, replace “I wish,” with “I sure would like to…” It can help you see how realistic your goals are, and before you know it, “I sure would like to…” will become, “I CAN!”
Another common one is saying something is “too hard.” There are many things in life that are difficult but when you say something is “too hard,” you’re telling yourself that the situation is out of your control. Be honest and recognize that it’s ok to get help from others. This will empower you to make changes and improve your situation.
• Make a List – There are so many simple things that we take for granted. Write down a list of all the little things that bring you joy to help you realize just how much you have to be thankful for. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, here is a list of 50 things. After reading it, I bet you’ll find at least 20 things that you love, but never really thought about.
• Surround Yourself with Positive People – When you were in high school, your parents probably told you many times not to hang out with the wrong crowd. Even now that you’re an adult and probably giving the same advice to your kids, it still applies to you too. If you spend your time around people who love to cook, you can’t help but become interested in the culinary arts. The same thing goes for attitudes.
The more time you spend around people who are always down on themselves, the worse you feel. That is why you need to find optimistic people and spend as much time as you can around them. Their good attitudes will start to rub off on you and you’ll start feeling better about your life.
What are some things that you are thankful for? Share in the comments section below.
-Lisa
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