Thanksgiving: The Expression of Gratitude
If you have ever wondered what the word “thanksgiving” means, a quick Google search says that it is an “expression of gratitude”. For the past couple of years, as I have celebrated Thanksgiving, I tend to forget the gratitude part. I get so excited to eat turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, and other delicious dishes, but the literal “giving of thanks” part fades into the back of my mind. However, whether or not you celebrate Thanksgiving, making the effort to demonstrate gratitude to people or things you are thankful for can strengthen relationship bonds and improve your mental health!
One way of practicing gratitude is through keeping a gratitude journal as recommended by clinical psychologist, Dr. Kurt Ela. He shares research evidence that keeping a gratitude journal helps to:
Improve your mood (more positive emotions!)
Remember moments you were grateful for at a certain time in your life
Acquire resilience after trauma
and many more benefits!
You can begin to practice gratitude by writing three things you are grateful for each day. Taking some time to focus on the good in our lives and what makes us feel happy can help us think less negatively too.
At the Thanksgiving I had last year with my family, I started a new gratitude activity to continue for the following years. Like me, if you find it interesting, you can begin a new tradition with your family too! It’s very simple, each person around the table takes turns to express their gratitude for each person present. It was awkward at first, I’ll admit, since we had never done that before, but it helped remind me of the importance of verbally expressing how thankful we are for one another. When I heard what my family members felt grateful for in me, I felt so happy, and now those memories are what I hold close to my heart whenever I remember them. I wish all the best for those of us who are going to visit family or celebrate with friends! For those of you who are reading this blog, I personally thank you for taking the time to read what I wrote! Happy Thanksgiving!
-Undergraduate intern, Jade Umanzor
(For further reading of the evidence on the benefits of gratitude, read Dr. Kurt Ela’s article, “Why Everyone Is Telling You To Be Grateful”)
