It seems like it’s almost required to have a post around Thanksgiving, talking about what you’re thankful for. In fact, it’s popular for people on Facebook to post something every day of November with something different they’re thankful for. The idea is a good one, I have no doubt about that. It seems to me that the problem is the rest of the year getting forgotten.
Now, everyone talking about something they’re thankful for every day of the year would get really annoying. At the same time, I’m not sure that people really take the time to think about that from December through October. If you get some benefit out of doing this during November, might you also get some benefit out of continuing for the rest of the year?
If there are people, places, or things in your life that you can’t live without, acknowledge them from time to time when you’re not expected to. Maybe think about working it into your routine before you go to bed or when you wake up. Even on the days I wake up and the thought of going to work is repulsive, I take a minute and remember that I have another day ahead of me to make choices that will help to improve my place in the world.
When I get to the gym, I’m thankful that I’m healthy and physically able to lift progressively heavier.
When I complete a fast, I’m thankful for the discipline I have to both make it through and make good choices about how I end it.
Even on the worst days at work, I’m thankful that I have a job at which my strengths are valued and I can succeed.
Every day, I’m thankful that I have a very supportive family, some great friends, and an incredible girlfriend.
When I look in the mirror, I’m thankful that I can grow a thick and luxurious facial hedge.
They look pretty thankful, don’t they?
I try to acknowledge these things (and many others) whenever possible. I like to think that this is why I get a pretty high degree of satisfaction from my life. When things take a left turn, I regroup and consider what I’ve got and what’s going well. This usually cuts off the negative headspace and lets me stay objective in order to evaluate and adjust.
Doing this kind of thing definitely isn’t a new thought. I do think that everyone should give it a shot. You don’t have to make it public, just do it when you go to bed or wake up, pick something in your life that you’re grateful for and think about it for a minute.
I’ll bet your life gets a little happier.
