By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the everyday. There is always a new project, meeting or get-together to prepare for, which leads to exhaustion. It can feel like life is just a string of deadlines, and we are floundering. Slow down time and pause for a moment. What are you thankful for? What makes you happy? As Thanksgiving looms ahead, here are some practical ways to express gratitude for the little things in life:
Write Letters to your Loved Ones
When I was away on residency in Baltimore, I was unable to spend time with my family and friends at home in New Jersey. Having limited access to technology, I resorted to the old-fashioned way of communication: writing letters. This experience has changed the way I connect with loved ones. Writing letters is a long-form type of communication, and it takes time for mail to be sent and for your recipient to write back. As a result, you are more likely to share, be honest about your feelings, and vulnerably assert how much they mean to you. You can even add little treasures, like a painting you’ve been working on, a flower you picked outside, or a spritz of your perfume. It will only make the heart grow fonder, and you’ll appreciate the closeness of your loved ones so much more.
Start a Gratitude Journal
Find yourself a beautiful little notebook and challenge yourself to write three things you are thankful for. Try to incorporate this practice into an already-established ritual, like when you drink coffee in the morning. That way, you will be less likely to forget. Brainstorm some things you couldn’t live without, like food in your pantry or the companionship of your pets. What makes your life better? A well-funded savings account, your spouse, or your upcoming vacation? Write it all down, and you’ll find yourself feeling more positive throughout the day.
Do One Kind Thing
Every Day
It’s easy to move through life without thinking, but try to be intentional about doing one kind thing every day. Hold the door at Wawa. Pay the toll for the next driver behind you. Pick up some trash you notice on the side of the road. Invite your new neighbor to coffee. Bake sweets for your coworkers at the office. Fold your daughter’s clean clothes or donate items to the local thrift store. Going the extra mile for the betterment of the community makes a huge difference. When we are intentionally kind, we think more positively about the world and smile more often, releasing endorphins and good-feeling hormones. It’s never too hard to be kind.
Try to Go One Full Day Without Complaining
It’s easy to be negative, especially when life doesn’t go our way. However, challenge yourself to focus on the good. If your car gets a flat tire, be grateful for easily accessible mechanic services. If your child throws a tantrum, be thankful for the opportunity to teach them about expressing emotions. If a line is too long, be mindful of the space around you. Listen to the music overhead or feel your toes in your comfy shoes. Being aware of these sensory experiences is grounding, and can take your mind off of negative thoughts. Make small talk with someone in front of you. When we intentionally stop complaining, we prove to ourselves that life can be good despite the hardships.
You deserve to be happy. Through these few simple practices, we can feel good more often. Gratitude matters and time is fleeting, so celebrate the present! Give long hugs, kiss your significant other, take a slow sip of coffee, and smile throughout the day. Soon it will feel effortless.
