Each holiday season comes with high expectations for a cozy and festive time of year. However, for many this time of year is tinged with sadness, anxiety, or depression.
In society today it seems almost impossible to think about being thankful with grocery shopping higher than ever, gas through the roof. It might be hard to be thankful for anything. We need to remember to be thankful for what we have.
The word gratitude is derives from the Latin word gratis, which means grace, graciousness or gratefulness (depending on the context. In some ways gratitude encompasses all of these meanings. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude people acknowledge the goodness of their lives. In the process people usually recognize that the source of the goodness lies at least partially outside themselves.
Maybe we should try and be thankful for the things inside. Inside ourselves, and inside our homes. The people who mean the most to us, and even the food that we have.I know some people who cannot even afford to put a turkey on their table this year. No matter what we eat we have to be thankful that we have food. And concentrate on the love of others, and maybe even on the love of God.
Gratitude is strongly and consistently appreciated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps us feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve our health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships.
So if you’re feeling a little down during this holiday season. Be thankful for the things you already have.
From Pity to Praise 