Time to Practice … Gratitude

“I’m not saying we should be grateful for everything. I’m saying we can be grateful in every given moment for the opportunity of that moment.”  Brother David Steindl-Rast

The idea of carving out time to deliberately pause and express thanks for the abundant blessings in my life, and even more so with loved ones and in community, has always resonated deeply with me.  This may be why Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday.  Indeed, my e-mail “tag line” for many years has been, “Make encouragement and gratitude a way of life.”    

Then 2020 happened!  Now, like so many other things, Thanksgiving will be different for all of us this year, regardless of how you celebrate.   It’s another stark reminder of yet one more thing that “won’t be the same” due to the pandemic.  And I’m reminded of the many times over the past now 9+ months when I have not been feeling grateful for my present circumstances, both at work and outside of work.  Beyond the obvious inconveniences and disruptions, there has been the uncertainty, the sense of isolation and disconnection, the tension and divisiveness, and the undertone of fear that has not always brought out the best in me.

Much too often, my “not feeling grateful for” has spilled over into “not feeling grateful” and I’ve missed many wonderful things occurring around me in plain sight.  Indeed, much has been written about the “hidden gifts” of the pandemic has provided, even amid the hardship and tragedy.   That would be true for me as well.

So this Thanksgiving, beyond taking time each day to reflect on my many blessings, I’m taking it one step further and considering the many things I’m grateful for because of the pandemic.  Here are the 3 that come immediately to mind:  more focused time with family, this blog, new and creative ways to connect with others.  And as I entertain the question, more flow forth readily.   This might be a worthwhile reflection exercise for you as well.  Why not try it and see what you discover?    

And remember, since gratitude is a practice as well as a perspective, “practicing” it daily over time will make it a habit – or what I call a “way of life.”   Therefore, between now and the New Year, consider writing down 3 things you are grateful for each day in a “gratitude journal” and sharing what you’re learning over that time with someone (perhaps your PeerRx partner?).   Developing this new “way of life” will be an incredible blessing for you – and others.  I can personally attest to it …