Expressing Thanksgiving During Grief

Being Grateful Even in Grief

During the Thanksgiving holiday families gather together to share their time, love and favorite foods. Many people use this time to express what they are grateful for. However, for those grieving it may be difficult to participate in the Thanksgiving spirit. The holiday may be different because the family dynamics have changed or maybe a loved one is absent from the family table. It could be that the feelings of loss are just so overwhelming it seems impossible to be grateful for anything! No matter what the circumstances, if you sincerely search, you will find something and/or someone in your life to be grateful for. It is important to name those things and people that enrich your life and celebrate them with thanksgiving. Feeling grateful, even during grief, can make your heart lighter and more joyful.

Gratitude List

Think of all the good things in your life that you are grateful for. There are many. Even your happy memories are to be appreciated. Focus on all the positive around you, and give thanks. You will likely feel more peaceful and content as you concentrate on those good things. Try to write a list of at least 10 things you are grateful for. Sometimes that may be hard to do when so much is going wrong and you feel so sad. However, if you sit quietly and think hard, you will begin to find things you are thankful for. You might begin with basics such as having a place to live, a job, a good school, or plenty of food. Make a Gratitude List often, not just during the holidays. Try this once a week or at least once a month. It is beneficial to see the good things and the special people in your life written on paper. Thank God for the blessings in your life.