You’ve probably heard gratitude is an attitude, but it’s
more than that. When we practice gratitude, we react to unexpected events with
delight instead of disappointment. We savor positive experiences, making them
richer and more fulfilling. A thankful heart also prevents us from overlooking
everyday blessings, like a delicious dinner or a warm bed.
Counting (and recounting) blessings has benefits.
Research shows people who practice gratitude feel greater joy and
connectedness, cope better with stress, and experience less illness and
depression. Put these prompts on your family calendar now. In 30 days, thankful
thoughts and pay-it-forward actions will be almost automatic.
1. Start a gratitude journal. List three things you’re
grateful for today. Do it again tomorrow. Gratitude journals focus emotional
energy on what’s right, not what’s wrong.
2. Rock out to “I Thank You,” by rhythm and blues legends
Sam and Dave while you clean or cook dinner. Get the kids in on the act. It’s
impossible to be ungrateful when you boogie to this beat.
3. Acknowledge your partner’s financial, practical, and
emotional contributions to the household. Look him or her in the eye and say, “Thank
you for working to support our family” or “thank you for doing the laundry.”
4. Pen a traditional thank-you note to someone who
doesn’t expect it, like the bus driver, your babysitter or a crossing guard.
Seal it with a smiley-face sticker.
5. Give a bouquet of fall flowers to someone you
appreciate. Mums speak volumes.
6. Set a grateful example. Say “thank you” for kids’ help
with table-setting or toy cleanup. Go global — say “Gracias,” “Danke” or
“Merci!” — to make it more memorable.
7. Light a candle and spend 3 minutes focused on one
recent blessing. Can’t light up? Go to gratefulness.org/candles and light a
virtual version instead.
8. Be grateful for financial resources. Make a microloan
to someone who needs it to get back on their feet. Learn more at
worldvisionmicro.org or kiva.org.
9. Bring a comforting dinner to someone who nurtures the
good in others. Fall food doesn’t need to be fussy. Soup and bread are perfect
for sharing.
READ MORE: Raising thankful kids
10. Make collages of the people, places and opportunities
for which you’re most grateful. Cut out pictures from magazines. Laminate your creations to use as a placemats.
11. Bake “thankful pie” using your family’s favorite
ingredients (apples, pears or sugar pumpkins). Savor the bounty of this year’s
local harvest.
12. Take a walk through the woods and notice the color
and texture of the leaves, the cooler dampness of the air. Be thankful for the
changing seasons.
13. Go online to merchants who make or sell objects you
love. Take 10 minutes to give ratings or write a review. The merchant (and the
next shopper) will appreciate it.
14. Do date night with your significant other or one of
the kids. Tune in to what makes you smile, laugh and sigh when you’re together.
15. Decorate your table with fall gourds or flowers to
celebrate the beauty of nature.
16. Bake “thank you” bread using a monkey bread recipe.
As kids pull off each piece, have them share something for which they are
grateful. Grownups play (and eat), too.
17. Remember bad times, like frustrations, failures and
losses. Notice how much better things are right now. Focus on resiliency and
renewal.
18. Inspire others. Describe one unexpected blessing
you’ve received today in a status update on Facebook or Twitter.
19. Rake leaves into piles. Before bagging, do a running
leap into a leaf pile and shout “thank you!” Be grateful for silly, spontaneous
fun.
20. Post thankful expressions in visible locations at
home and at work. Sneak one into your child’s lunchbox while you’re at it.
READ MORE: Ways to give back during the holidays
21. Stop by the principal’s office and tell her three
things you appreciate about your child’s teacher, coach or curriculum. Her job
is (mostly) thankless.
22. In line at the coffee counter or drive-thru, pay for
the drink of the patron behind you. Your generosity will boost their energy and
their mood.
23. Speak up publicly (at work or at church) and
highlight others’ help and support. Your recognition might be just what someone
needs today.
24. Write a letter of thanks to each of your children.
Explain how they’ve changed your life for the better. Give the notes now, or
tuck them into kids’ baby books.
25. Appreciate animal affection. Pet your dog or cat for
10 minutes, and focus on times you’ve shared. Be grateful for your pet’s
unconditional love.
26. Practice random thankfulness. Pick simple cues — like
common words — or set an alarm. Use them to trigger thankful thoughts.
27. Uproot worn-out fall flowers and plant bulbs in their
place. Anticipate spring. Optimism is gratitude to grow on.
28. Do a walking meditation focused on your own goodness.
Be grateful for your health, for your mind, and for your talents. Affirm
yourself.
29. Volunteer your time and talents to serve others. Go
to volunteermatch.org or serve.gov to find local opportunities by zip code.
30. Take a picture of your family holding “thank you”
signs. Design an e-card or print custom notes to send to holiday gift-givers.
Heidi Smith
Luedtke, PhD, is a personality psychologist and mom of two who is grateful for
coffee and knock-knock jokes. She is the author of “Detachment Parenting.”