November is National Gratitude Month. A time to remember and celebrate all the things we have to be grateful for. Yet, this year we may have to work a bit harder to remember all of the blessings in our lives. 2020 filled our minds with images of a pandemic, social unrest, and fires that destroyed entire communities. Many of us are struggling and anxious about the future of our families and our country.
How do we cultivate a spirit of gratitude in times like these?
We can begin by stepping away from our screens.
- Take time to look at the world with fresh eyes. Enjoy the good things all around us.
- Create some practices that we can do alone, as a family, or gathered together via a Zoom call.
This will enable us to see beyond the negativity that we are bombarded with by news and social media. By focusing on the many positives in our lives, we can find many reasons to be grateful, even in this topsy-turvy year which is 2020.
Here are a few suggestions we think might help you nurture an attitude of positivity. Try a few and see how quickly you
Cultivate the Habit of Gratitude by Making Lists
When we are in the middle of what seems like never-ending adversity, it can be difficult to change our perspective. But, by making gratitude a habit, you will notice a domino effect and begin to find it easier to have a more positive attitude.
- Take time to start each day by writing down things you are grateful for. It will help you carry a more positive mindset into the rest of the day.
- Before you go to sleep, list five positives in your day. You will be surprised at how many things you have to be grateful for. Need help thinking of things to be thankful for? Here are some ideas.
Thanksgiving Ideas to Celebrate Gratitude with Family Gathering’s
Celebrating gratitude during the holiday season can bring us closer to one another and remind us of the things we appreciate about the members of our family.
Before dinner, ask each person to mention one thing they are grateful for this year. You might also want to have them mention what they appreciate about the person sitting next to them. When we express our appreciation of someone, it not only has a positive impact on them, it also increases our feelings of positivity.
Help guide young children through this activity by asking them questions or giving them ideas. For instance, are they thankful for something their parents and/or grandparents have done for them? Ask them to consider how the important people in their lives have supported them.
Gifts for Friends and Crafts for Kids
Consider sending a gift to a family member or friend to show your gratitude, especially if some are not able to physically get together this holiday season.
Craft Ideas for Kids to Make on Thanksgiving
Fun craft ideas for children may include making a Tooth Fairy Picture or any one of these cute craft ideas.
Adult Pumpkin Craft Idea
Create a memorable Thanksgiving pumpkin as a craft or gift. Have family members and friends use a marker to write things they are grateful for on the pumpkin. Place it on the table to remind you of the many positives in your life.
Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe
If you love pumpkin pie, here is a recipe to try from Simply Recipes site. Of course, remember to brush and floss after your meals! We want you to keep those pearly whites in their best shape. If you’re at someone else’s house and far away from your toothbrush, you can rinse your mouth out with water a couple of times.
Remember to Stay in the Moment
Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to be present. By focusing on the moment at hand, you can keep your mind from stressing out on all of the things beyond your control. Enjoy the time you have with your family, even if it isn’t exactly the way it looked in Thanksgiving past.
A Message of Gratitude From All of Us
As we count our blessings, we are all very grateful for many things but most especially grateful for you.
All of us here at Mid Cities Dental is extremely thankful for the opportunity to serve you, our clients. Because of your continuing support, our Thanksgiving is filled with gratitude. We wish the same to all of you.