The Hip Mom's Guide to Thanksgiving, Part 2

Everywhere we turn – from talk radio to Barnes & Noble -- we hear about the importance of thankfulness. Many of us stop and take time on Thanksgiving to ponder the blessings in our lives. But how many of us do this on a regular basis? On a daily basis? I’m certainly guilty of plunging through my days, volunteering at the schools, running to Costco, getting a few hours of writing in, making dinner (picking dinner up….), serving dinner, and getting through the bedtime routine only to sink into my pillow without another thought. And why shouldn’t I? What’s so important about taking time, more often than one Thursday in November, to be thankful? Here’s what the experts have to say:

Oprah:
“I [keep] a gratitude journal [every day and] list at least five things that I'm grateful for ….It's not easy being grateful all the time. But it's when you feel least thankful that you are most in need of what gratitude can give you: PERSPECTIVE…And as Meister Eckhart so eloquently stated: ‘If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is ‘Thank you God’, that would suffice’.”

WebMD:
“If you want to get healthier, give thanks…Thousands of years of literature talk about the benefits of cultivating gratefulness as a virtue," says University of California Davis psychology professor Robert Emmons. Throughout history, philosophers and religious leaders have extolled gratitude as a virtue integral to health and well-being. Now, through a recent movement called positive psychology, mental health professionals are taking a close look at how virtues such as gratitude can benefit our health. And they're reaping some promising results.” This article goes on to say that grateful people reap such benefits as handling stress better and a strengthened immune system.

The Bible:
From the beginning of time, the Bible has taught people to be thankful. Here’s a familiar and compelling verse to consider as we approach the traditional day of giving thanks.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15)

Happy Thanksgiving! -Kirsetin Morello