We are entering the holiday season filled with shopping, wrapping, baking, cooking, decorating, and fun times. But let’s face it, it can also be a stressful time trying to get everything done, find the right gifts, and fulfill family commitments, all wrapped up in a pandemic. It is important during the stressful times to always remember that there is much for which to be grateful. Learning to see the good in your life even during hard times is a very powerful coping strategy. Gratitude helps us realize what we have, and not to focus on what we don’t have. It also reinforces values such as respect, responsibility and generosity.

There are many ways to practice gratitude. For example, you can create a gratitude journal where you write down a few things each day for which you are grateful. You can designate time at the dinner table where you ask each person to tell something that they were grateful for that day. This is a great activity for the whole family, even young children. You can also express gratitude for others–give compliments, tell people thank you, or send a note to a friend letting them know you are thinking of them, just to name a few. All of these activities can lead to feelings of appreciation, compassion, generosity and love, and ultimately decrease the negative thoughts.

CEEK Wellness Challenge of the Month.
We challenge you to find a way to express gratitude each day this month. Start a gratitude journal, initiate a daily gratitude discussion at the dinner table, or send a nice text to a friend. Small grateful acts everyday can uplift us and make a difference for others. Practice gratitude and…CEEK a Better Way!

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has” Epictetus

Suggested Resources
Gratefulness.org