November is the month of gratitude.
For a learning project, I decided to help my grandson create a Thanksgiving wreath. When I asked him to name something he felt thankful for, he didn’t hesitate.
“Lettuce,” he announced.
Lest you think my grandson is a salad connoisseur, let me explain. Lettuce is his favorite stuffed animal; a cat. Well-loved enough to have become worn and shabby, Lettuce travels to school for nap time every day and is snuggled in bed every night. Not to mention the little cat is a powerful antidote whenever life hands out lemons.
My grandson’s devotion to Lettuce got me thinking. Is gratitude firmly linked to all things which bring comfort and reassurance?
I scoured the internet for articles, and found enough material to fill a library. Anecdotal tales and a number of studies indicate an attitude of gratitude does indeed bring measurable benefits. Among them include better health, greater happiness, and improvement in sleep. I’d say that’s enough to bring me a dollop of comfort.
If you’re detail-hungry, here’s a great article on the subject at a site called Happier Human. It’s a fascinating read.
Sadly, daily events don’t always lend themselves to warm and fuzzy feelings of thankfulness. But don’t let that stop you from cultivating the possibility.
As with most things, the key is habit.
Some people like to keep a thankfulness journal. Others put notes on a dry-erase board. I know several folks who write on a slip of paper each day and place it in a gratitude jar to be read at year’s end.
If pen and paper aren’t your thing, don’t worry. Mindfulness works too. A simple, “I woke up today,” can start you on a positive note. And consider your interactions with others. A thank-you isn’t only good etiquette. It’s a way to express…gratitude. Use it.
Once you decide what method (or methods) you like, start building the habit. Count a blessing or two on most days of the week. First thing in the morning, right before sleep at night, or anywhere in between. Come on. Aren’t you thankful for making it through the yellow light? 🙂
As with my grandson and Lettuce, I suspect you may soon find comfort, reassurance, and a much better approach to life.
Isn’t it funny how such a little adjustment can make a big difference? Giving thanks, not only in November but all year long, is a goal I plan to work much harder on.
It might become the perfect prescription to be better at ducking when lemons are tossed my way.
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Pat Wahler is the author of I am Mrs. Jesse James, Western Fictioneers’ Best First Novel of 2018 and the Walter Williams Major Literary Work Award winner of 2019.
She is also author of On a City Street, Five-Star Readers’ Favorite and book one in the Becker Family series – a standalone contemporary romance; and a Christmas-themed collection, Five-Star Readers’ Favorite Let Your Heart Be Light: a Celebration of Christmas.
Pat is co-author of a picture book, Midnight, the One-Eyed Cat.
12 Responses
Pat, this post makes me think of a couple things along the same line as “attitude of gratitude.” I have wall art in my living room that simply says CHOOSE JOY. And, this week at yoga the instructor shared a quote to the effect that we can either see nothing as a miracle or we can see everything as a miracle. Not exactly the same as gratitude, but both are positive thoughts I like. — And how did Lettuce get his name?
Karen, I agree. Gratitude begets joy. And I love the quote from your yoga instructor. So true!
As to Lettuce, the name came into being through the mysterious ways a toddler’s mind works. In other words, I don’t know how he picked it. 🙂
This reminds me of a story…my niece used to name stuffed animals after things she wasn’t allowed to have. There was a cat named Gum and a bear named Soda.
LOL – kids are so funny!
I just saw something yesterday which asked the question “What if you woke up today and all you had were the things you were thankful for yesterday?” It’s a pretty sobering thought. There are so many things to be thankful for, and it can be hard to remember to adopt that attitude of thankfulness when we’re caught up in the busy-ness of each day. But you make a great point–by starting to notice the things around us that we’re thankful for, it can make us happier people. I’m thankful for you and your blog and your wonderful writing.
Awww, thanks Amy. I do believe the more we hone in on the positives – even the tiniest ones – the steadier it keeps our boat during turbulent times.
I’m thankful for friends like you!
<3
🙂
Henry and Lettuce made me smile. Liam has Arnold his beloved stuffed pig which is pretty rag tag these days.
I think in a world of I wants, we would be better off by saying, “I’m glad I have…”
Linda, the more ragtag the toy, the more it was loved. Your comment made me think of the Velveteen Rabbit story, which always brings a tear.
I agree. “I’m glad I have” is a much happier way to look at life. 🙂
About a year ago, Katie and I started saying out loud three things we are each thankful for (we call it our blessings) before we go to bed. Some nights, I really have to think–because I’m feeling grumpy or had a hard day, but I always always come up with at least 3 things and sometimes, many more. Great post.
Margo, what a great idea! It’s the perfect way to end the day. I’ll definitely add this to my routine.