Each November, we pause at Thanksgiving to express gratitude for what we have been given. This year, some find it challenging to be thankful in the midst of so many difficult events that we have experienced individually, as a community, and as a country. And yet, it is the process of expressing gratitude that gives us the mental and emotional strength to go on.
Below are six quotes to inspire reflection as you engage in your gratitude practice.
It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world. ~ Mary Oliver
On difficult days filled with thoughts of this broken world, gratitude can be difficult to find. Take note of those things that you are grateful for the glow of the sunrise, the smile of a child, the smell of freshly brewed coffee.
Gratitude opens the door to the power, the wisdom, the creativity of the universe. You open the door through gratitude. ~ Deepak Chopra
When we close ourselves off to gratitude, we limit our access to power, wisdom, and creativity. Gratitude opens our mind’s eye to allow us to see what is and what might be in ourselves, in others, and the world.
It is easy to get caught up in our bubble and lose perspective about what others experience in life. The practice of gratitude supports us in acknowledging the privilege we have while moving us away from expectations and entitlement.
Wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life. ~Rumi
When gratitude becomes a habit, a part of our everyday life, we begin to move away from toxic emotions and lean into love, joy, peace, and contentment. Let gratitude nurture your soul.
The soul that gives thanks can find comfort in everything; the soul that complains can find comfort in nothing. ~ Hannah Whitall Smith
The Danes live the concept of hygge, living a cozy, comfortable life, expressing friendliness to create a feeling of contentment or well-being. Like hygge, gratitude is about acknowledging and being thankful for the small things in life.
I do not think of all the misery, but of the glory that remains. Go outside into the fields, nature and the sun, go out and seek happiness in yourself and in God. Think of the beauty that again and again discharges itself within and without you and be happy. ~ Anne Frank
This is our life to live. And though there might be misery and hardship, we do not need to dwell in despair. We can seek the beauty in this world and each other. We can be grateful.
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Seeking Health and Happiness One Day at a Time.
Marcy Berg is a writer and therapist living in the Pacific Northwest and Exploring thoughts on mental health, wellness, and happiness. She can also be found at Growing Through Life.