The innocent eyes of a child light up as a freshly dipped ice cream cone is handed to them. A parent standing nearby eager to teach the little tot a lesson in gratitude says to the child, “What do you say to the nice man?”
Given the unpredictability of small children that question might entice some interesting answers, but the expected response would be a big “thank you”. It's safe to say that most involved parents regardless of their opinions about child rearing agree that appreciation is a worthy expression for any kid to show.
Children with their carefree and untainted approach to life are role models for the rest of us in the simplicity of verbalizing thankfulness. Getting older requires us to be much more premeditated about appreciating what we have and living our lives from a grateful perspective.
Adulthood compartmentalizes our emotions around dates on the calendar so that right on cue we can all express our collective appreciation for family, friends and blessings at Thanksgiving. Not that there's anything wrong with that, for some it might be the only time of the year to pause for a minute and take inventory of their good fortune.
Perhaps we can reclaim the innocent gratitude of a first grader with a little effort on our part by trying a few simple things this Thanksgiving.
EXPRESS GRATITUDE OFTEN AND ALWAYS
Simply hearing yourself utter words of appreciation reinforces in your subconscious mind an attitude of gratitude as a way of life.
OBSERVE THE INNOCENT BEHAVIOUR OF CHILDREN
They are as enthralled with a butterfly as a puppy dog. They are opportunistic revelers in the wonder of it all and it shows in their faces and their smiles.
MAKE A LIST OF TEN THINGS OR PEOPLE YOU ARE THANKFUL FOR
Be thoughtful about this and after each one describe why you are grateful. Allow yourself a minute to reflect on what each means to you.
WATCH A HUMAN INTEREST PROGRAM YOU MIGHT NORMALLY IGNORE
It might be a story of an injured soldier, a terminally ill mother or the needs of undernourished child in a desolate country. These are the kind of heartfelt stories you might otherwise pass on because they are too difficult to watch. Don't. Watch it. Allow yourself to feel the emotional challenges of others. It will put your own life into context in a meaningful way.
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME SOMEWHERE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
It is undeniably true that it is more blessed to give that to receive. Offer the gift of you to someone in need and embrace the gratitude you feel in the spirit of unselfishness.
SURPRISE SOMEONE WITH A NOTE OF APPRECIATION
It might be a neighbor, an old high school teacher, a minister, a friend who saw you through a difficult time and the list goes on. The amount of unexpected joy you will generate with this kind of expression is immeasurable.
TAKE A WALK ON THANKSGIVING DAY
Get away from the food and the festivities and walk out your gratitude under the open sky. Take a few minutes to be a part of the wonderful creation you are enjoying and say thank you.
BE GRATEFUL FOR YOU… AS YOU ARE IN THIS MOMENT
Children, until we contaminate them with their shortcomings and flaws, are boundlessly optimistic about themselves and the world they live in. Then they grow up to become us and find a thousand reasons not to appreciate who they are.
This may be difficult (at least for some) but stand in front of a mirror and take a long look at you. Verbalize five things you appreciate about yourself. Does that make you uncomfortable? If it does, it may be time to think back to the day when saying “thank you” for an ice cream cone was all that mattered.
