Thanksgiving: A lesson in compassion and acceptance.

This year has been extraordinarily difficult for so many people. It is when times get tough that we look forward to our holidays and the traditions that go along with them, to help us remember all that we have to be grateful for. Thanksgiving typically does just that. It is the only holiday that we are not bombarded by advertisers to spend our money, rather, we are reminded to re-connect with friends and family, share our time, our homes and our food, and give thanks.

Unfortunately, this year many of us will be forced to let go of our usual traditions (my family included) and just do what we can. Each person has their own comfort level with how many people they wish to be around at one time, and what that means for family gatherings. This is truly a practice of compassion and acceptance, as we must open our hearts to those who may have a different approach to the difficulties COVID-19 puts upon us and maintain our respect, our composure and our understanding as we all attempt to navigate these uncharted waters together.

So if our sense of normalcy is once again ripped from us, and we are put in a position where we must set aside the usual tradition of a large family gathering, what can we do instead? And if this has always been a difficult holiday for you because either you don’t have any close family members and/or friends with whom to celebrate, what can you be thankful for?

Be thankful for your breath, that you may have this moment to fill your lungs with life. Be thankful for your eyes, that allow you to see the morning light and the colourful world around you. Be thankful for your ears, that you may hear others, and speak and laugh and cry together. Be thankful for your body, that explores and feels and breaks and heals.

It is so easy to get caught up in all the external forces that surround you, but all you truly have control over is the way that you respond to life and all it has to offer. So when you feel defeated, dream a little deeper. When you feel alone, reach out a little more. And when you feel overwhelmed, remember to take things one step at a time because all we ever really have control over is the present moment.

Research has shown that practicing gratitude is linked to increased self-esteem, a more robust immune system, more resilience, increased productivity, and healthier social connections. All it takes is a daily commitment to write down a few things you are grateful for. So, what are you grateful for?