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MCC Daily Tribune

Finding Moments of Gratitude

The holidays, and the changing of seasons, can sometimes leave individuals feeling vulnerable and a little down. November is National Gratitude Month, an opportunity to change one’s perspective and appreciate the little things in life that often get taken for granted. You've probably heard that gratitude practice has been proven to be beneficial in promoting positive mental health and general self-wellness. We wanted to share some simple steps for you to consider practicing in an effort to build up moments of gratitude as went enter into the holiday season:

  • Write a letter to someone and tell them how much you appreciate them
  • If you are religious or spiritual, lean into extra prayer this season
  • Avoid gossiping/speaking poorly of others
  • Go outside and take a walk to notice the beauty in nature
  • Volunteer your time
  • Donate unwanted belongings
  • Support a cause
  • Practice a random act of kindness
  • Watch inspiring and motivational shows/movies/videos
  • Fill your social media feed with positive news and images
  • Try to find the other, more positive, side whenever you think a negative thought
  • When you make a mistake, find the opportunity to grow through it
  • Make an effort to stay socially connected
  • Keep a gratitude journal: write down one thing each day that you can identify feeling grateful for, or choose one day of the week to be your weekly gratitude reflection day
  • Choose or create your own gratitude phrase for the month, write it down, and post it somewhere in your home where you will see it often
  • If you notice yourself feeling happy or grateful, practice grounding in that moment
  • In order to elevate its importance in conversation, speak more often about gratitude with your colleagues, friends, and family members
  • At the end of the day, quietly reflect and give thanks to those people, places, or things that brought a little bit of joy into your life recently

Gratitude allows you to find acceptance and be content with what you have, instead of feeling as though you cannot be happy and satisfied until all of your material needs and personal goals are met. It also encourages you to stay grounded in the present moment, which can help you maintain an internal sense of stability and balance when outside events feel threatening. Remember, being grateful does not mean denying the fact that unpleasant things happen in life. With practice, it is possible to grow mentally and emotionally stronger through the practice of gratitude.

Morgan Kennell
Counseling Center & Disability Services
11/01/2022