Picture this: you’re gathered around the festively decorated dining table, the aroma of turkey and mashed potatoes wafting through the air. It’s your turn to give thanks, and as you listen to family members repeat the same familiar phrases, all you can think about is diving into that steaming heap of mashed potatoes. Finally, you utter, “health, family, and friends,” before swiftly passing the rolls, eager to dig in. Sound familiar?

This annual ritual raises an important question: Why do we only give thanks on Thanksgiving? While I wholeheartedly support gratitude, it often feels like a mere checkbox we tick off because it’s a tradition. But shouldn’t gratitude come from the heart, infused with thought and mindfulness, rather than being a rushed performance to avoid cold gravy?

The Power of Daily Gratitude

Research has shown that individuals who regularly acknowledge the positive aspects of their lives tend to be happier overall. I’ll admit it, I’m not exactly the most optimistic person. I appreciate humor but often find myself leaning toward the negative side of things. Recognizing this, I decided to adopt a playful approach inspired by Jimmy Fallon’s “Thank You Notes.” Instead of lamenting daily annoyances, why not turn them into moments of gratitude?

Here are a few of my favorite thank-yous that illustrate this mindset:

• Thank you to the little boy who shouted, “Your hair looks weird!” Your candid honesty prompted me to finally make that overdue hair appointment.
• Thank you to the glob of toothpaste that dribbled down my shirt. It was a reminder that I wasn’t really feeling that shirt anyway, and it’s time to embrace a little more spontaneity in my wardrobe.
• Thank you to the slow-moving, swerving driver glued to their phone this morning. You turned my commute into a perfect opportunity for reflection and mindfulness, reminding me to focus on the road ahead.

Shifting Perspective

What if we made it a habit to find gratitude in the mundane or frustrating moments of our daily lives? Instead of waiting for Thanksgiving, let’s embrace the idea of giving thanks throughout the year. Here are some ways to cultivate this practice:

• Keep a Gratitude Journal: Dedicate a few minutes each day to jot down three things you’re grateful for. They can be big or small, from a delicious cup of coffee to a kind word from a colleague.
• Start Conversations with Gratitude: When catching up with friends or family, share a positive moment or experience from your week instead of diving straight into complaints.
• Create a Gratitude Ritual: Whether it’s a morning routine or an evening wind-down, take a moment to reflect on the positive things that happened during the day.
• Mindful Acknowledgment: Practice mindfulness by pausing throughout the day to notice the small things – a sunny day, a good song on the radio, or even a frustrating moment that taught you something valuable.

 The Sunshine Effect

Incorporating daily gratitude can truly brighten your life. It’s not just about finding the silver linings; it’s about recognizing the lessons and joy in every experience. By shifting your focus from negativity to appreciation, you create a more positive mindset, which can have a ripple effect on those around you.

So, this Thanksgiving, instead of just giving thanks for health, family, and friends, I encourage you to recognize the wonderful experiences and people you encounter each day. Embrace the idea that gratitude doesn’t need to be reserved for a holiday.

And lastly, thank you to my blog deadline for reminding me that I’m an expert at procrastination—yet here I am, sharing these thoughts with you!

Let’s celebrate gratitude every day of the year, and who knows? Maybe we’ll find that even the most frustrating moments can be a source of joy and appreciation.

-Stephanie Koclanis, MS, Core Supervisor