We’re now just two short days away from Thanksgiving, a time of reflection and giving thanks for the blessings of the previous year. Reflection also offers us the opportunity to look back on all the events of the past year. I know I am not alone in how disorienting the last few months have felt, from the heaviness our hearts all feel for the Native American communities at Standing Rock in North Dakota to the stressful and confusing state of our country with the election that has divided friends and families. Celebrating and giving thanks and spending gobs of money to prepare a delicious holiday meal can seem selfish or unnecessary.
However, this is EXACTLY the time we should be surrounding ourselves with loved ones, finding comfort and love and giving gratitude for our lives and what we have. If we do not take care of ourselves we cannot expect to lend support to others who need it most at this time. As a healthcare practitioner, I know that if I do not get enough rest or take proper care of myself, I cannot fully give or be present for my patients or my family. Gratitude is a form of self care! It’s also great for your health! It nourishes our spirits, increases our sense of well-being, and helps us be better at helping others. It also has positive impacts on your physical health, it can lower your blood pressure, reduce stress, lowers risk of disease, and increases your immunity.
So this Thanksgiving, allow yourself to feel happy and enjoy the time you spend with family and friends, and the time you spend in the kitchen preparing food for your loved ones. A little bit of gratitude can go a long way.
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful to be here in Asheville, to work at a job that I love, and to spend time with my husband. Most of all I’m grateful I get to spend Thanksgiving with my parents for the first time in 7 years! I’m thankful for all those who serve our country and will not be home to spend the holiday with loved ones.
What are you grateful for this year?
Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!