By 
No matter where I am in the world, I am always delighted to see the seasons change. Here in Virginia the colors are some of the richest in the world: golds, reds, browns, burgundy. I am fortunate to have a view high above the tree line so I can see the colors stretch for miles outside my window. I love this time of year, because it reminds me of the beauty of change and the ever-changing nature of our world.
I also love that this month’s main party is about giving thanks, taking time to be with the people we intentionally love. It is very easy in our busy lives to overlook our blessings and take our already present abundance for granted. How wonderful to have a culturally sanctioned day to slow down, take stock and give thanks.
Lately we’ve all been bombarded with scary and negative messages about the economy, and when you worry about your job, your savings, and your future, it seems counterintuitive to say “thank you.” But it is in these times of great fear and seeming scarcity that making room for gratitude becomes even more important. This doesn’t mean you ignore the knot in your stomach when your 401K statements arrive in the mail, but rather pause to focus on your child’s health right now. Because the fact is, whatever happens in the outside world, you are in full control of how many blessings are counted in your life. And the more gratitude you have, the more you have to be thankful for.
One of my favorite exercises to do, both with my clients and in my own life, is the Gratitude List. It is certainly not a groundbreaking technique, but it is incredibly deep in its simplicity. A gratitude list is simply an account of all the things that are going well in your life, and it can be anything you can think of. It is a simple, fast and fun exercise that you can do every day. Find a private and quiet space and eliminate all distractions. Silence your cell phone, turn off the television, and tell your family that you are unwell. Now take out a piece of paper and divide it in half. At the top of the page, write: The things I am thankful for: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
and so on, write as many as you like. Just open your imagination and let it flow.
Now at the bottom of the page, choose five or six from the list below and write your whys. Briefly explain why you are grateful and how it enriches your life. This helps you connect your values with your gratitude and see the scope of appreciation deepen. For example, if one of the things you are grateful for is my job, why could it be because it provides me with mental challenges, friendly colleagues, and an income to support my family. Now you:
I am thankful because 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) and so on.
Try this exercise every day for the next week and see if your attention begins to gravitate towards things that are going well. And since what you focus on expands, the more you see the positives, the more positives come your way. Soon enough, you may find that every day is Thanksgiving.