Thinking of November, most of us think of Thanksgiving and the holidays. But what if the holidays don’t feel like the “Thanksgiving spirit”? It’s hard to feel thankful when things are tough. Especially when the holidays seem to be getting us down rather than up. How to choose gratitude in difficult times can be hard to figure out, so this blog will talk more about choosing it, even when you don’t feel like it.
Why Gratitude is Difficult
It’s important to acknowledge that holding onto 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” isn’t always that easy. Choosing gratitude can be tough. Family dynamics may be strained, finances may be tight, and year-end goals may remain unmet. It’s essential to have a gentle but honest conversation with yourself: even when we don’t feel like it, choosing gratitude is, indeed, a choice.
How to Express Gratefulness to God
Now, let’s consider appreciation to God. If choosing gratitude toward yourself and others feels difficult, perhaps choosing gratitude toward God is a bit simpler. It’s essential to take the time to appreciate and give thanks to God for guiding you through different seasons. While you may not feel like it today, there have been times when you have overcome challenges. The scripture encourages us: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” — Psalm 100:4. Gratitude can manifest through spending time in prayer, highlighting the ways God has shown up for you—in your life, your children’s health, your job, and the roof over your head. The things you feed are the things you grow, so if you nourish an attitude of gratitude, it will surely flourish.
How to Choose Gratitude with Yourself
So, how do you do it? First, start with expressing appreciation to yourself. You can choose to be grateful for your own efforts and accomplishments. Take a moment to reflect on your personal growth over the years, even if it feels unnatural. Practice self-appreciation by acknowledging your accomplishments, celebrating simple victories throughout the day, and expressing thankfulness for having navigated difficult times so far.
How to Show Appreciation to Others
Now, express appreciation to others. We often treat others based on how we feel about ourselves. When we feel thankful for ourselves, it becomes easier to express appreciation to others. Choosing to have gratitude toward others, even when you don’t feel like it, can be challenging. But it can start with something small: appreciate acts of kindness, leave a handwritten note, or offer a sincere “thank you.”
Choose Gratitude: Think, Feel, and Act
When we think grateful thoughts, we feel grateful emotions, and we begin to act in a more grateful way. Before you can express these attitudes of gratitude, it’s important to intentionally focus on and choose gratitude, even when you don’t feel like it. Reflect on positive moments, thoughts, and times when things have gone well. This will naturally inspire thankful emotions and feelings. Remember, feelings listen to thoughts, so choose wisely. As you do this, watch how you begin to act and move in a more grateful direction.
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