For many of us, the holidays can be a tough time of year. Any number of emotions can come up. But what if you could learn a better way to “survive” the holidays and give yourself the ultimate gift of gratitude? By more fully appreciating the people in your life, individual circumstances and yourself, you will fill yourself with a bit more joy and happiness than was there before.
Gratitude, however, doesn’t just materialize in your life, it needs to be cultivated. Here are a few quick pointers on how you can enhance appreciation in your life:
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Shift your focus:
It is easy to get bogged down with the negative things that irritate or anger you, so practice shifting your focus to the “good things” in your life. Remind yourself of the positive traits (like kindness) of a friend in a time of frustration. This purposeful shift in attitude will also help you to cope with challenging times. Trying times are always made a little easier if you focus on the positives. Concentrate on where you put the emphasis in your life as it is a key part of gratitude. It takes practice! The holidays offer plenty of opportunities to try it out.
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Be grateful for you:
When we think about gratitude, we often focus on the external: we’re thankful for the people and things in our lives. But occasionally, the individual is forgotten. Spend more time to thank yourself for who you are or admire personal progress you’ve made. It is equally important as an outward expression of gratitude. In fact, to have the mindset to appreciate others, we must first start with ourselves. While you might think it is self-serving gesture, it’s a necessary part of incorporating gratitude more fully in life. So, don’t forget to set aside a few minutes of your schedule this holiday season to be with yourself and say “thank you.”
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Incorporate a small gratitude routine:
It may sound cheesy, but try to keep a gratitude journal or share some expressions of gratitude with another. Write down a few things you are grateful for – a helpful conversation, encouragement you’ve offered yourself or a smile from a stranger. Or send an email to a friend to thank them. Nothing is too small. Reflecting on the “little things” will help us to more clearly see how full our lives are.
Above all, if you commit to focusing energy on gratitude, you will invite more joy into your life. And during times that might be overwhelming — like the holidays — it may be just the right comforting you need!
This blog is Chapter One of our e-book, “Surviving the Holidaze.” If you like a free copy of this e-book, please click here.
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