Thoughts on gratitude, happiness and Thanksgiving

I stopped into a store in Providence today, looking for a small thank-you gift for a friend. I noticed a wooden board there that was labeled “a gratitude board.” It started me thinking: What is a gratitude board? Why do we need one? As Americans, we set aside one day each year, Thanksgiving, for giving thanks and showing gratitude.  Why only one day? Is that the only time of year you appreciate all the gifts you have?

What if each day you noted things for which you were grateful? While sitting around the Thanksgiving table, why not begin a discussion with family and friends? What are you thankful for, who are you thankful for? Why should we take time to give thanks? Is it important? The responses might be interesting and lead to further discussion.

What is gratitude? Gratitude means thankfulness, counting your blessings, noticing simple pleasures and acknowledging everything you receive. It means learning to live your life as if everything was a miracle and being aware on a continuous basis of how much you are given. Searching for gratitude shifts your focus from what is lacking in your life to the abundance that is already present.

In addition, behavioral and psychological research has shown the surprising life improvements that can stem from the practice of gratitude. Giving thanks makes people happier and more resilient. It strengthens relationships. It has the ability to improve health and reduce stress. 

We all face stress and adversity. When facing adversity, think, “what can I learn about this difficult situation? Though challenged, am I able to feel stronger as a result of this experience? What is the takeaway?”

Perhaps, inspired by a day of Thanksgiving, consider trying to have days that are complaint-free. No gossiping, no complaining, minimal kvetching. In time, showing gratitude may no longer be a reaction to getting what you want, but you may notice little things and begin to look for the good even in unpleasant situations.

Research has shown that it is beneficial to our health and well-being when the practice of searching for gratitude becomes a daily occurrence. Try keeping a “gratitude journal.” In selecting things for which you are grateful each day, you may find that this journey becomes easier and your “set-point” for being happy may increase. Wishing you future increased happiness and the happiest of Thanksgivings.

BONNIE RYVICKER is secretary of the Board of Directors of Jewish Family Service of Rhode Island.