Being Thankful

This past year has been a particularly difficult one for me, as it has for many people I know. Family issues, financial strains, and illnesses are just a few of the hardships we have had to struggle through. It’s easy during those times to become discouraged and overwhelmed. But that’s when we need to be thankful most of all.

No matter how hard life can be, we can still find something to be grateful for. Even if it’s just for another beautiful sunrise, we can be thankful that we were there to see it. On the darkest days, if you have another day with your loved ones, you can be thankful.

One of the best ways to remind yourself to be grateful is to write it down. Find a small notebook and write the date at the top of the page. Then, write down five things you are thankful for. There must be something, even if it’s just that you have something to eat today; there are many people who don’t. Write in your journal every day.

What does being thankful do? It changes you from the inside out. It takes you from being stuck in a mindset of “poor me” to one in which you are able to help someone less fortunate than yourself. Do you have a warm bed to sleep in? Be thankful, and donate some blankets to your local shelter. Are your children healthy? Be thankful, and send a small gift to a child you know who’s in the hospital. Do you have a car to drive? Be thankful, and give an elderly neighbor a ride to the store.

No matter what problems you face, if you can keep a heart of gratitude, you’ll find your spirits lifting and your focus changing — another thing to be thankful for.

Guest Blog Post by Samantha Bell