It is hard to believe the end of 2022 is upon us. November is known as the kick-off to the holidays and also the season of gratitude and giving back. We have so much to be grateful for this year. After almost two years of isolation, the world seems to be getting back to normal. Although so much has changed, having gratitude is still an integral part of life.
Why Practice Gratitude
There have been many research studies on practicing gratitude. “In one study, they asked all participants to write a few sentences each week, focusing on particular topics. One group wrote about things they were grateful for that had occurred during the week. A second group wrote about daily irritations or things that had displeased them, and the third wrote about events that had affected them (with no emphasis on them being positive or negative). After 10 weeks, those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic and felt better about their lives. Surprisingly, they also exercised more and had fewer visits to physicians than those who focused on sources of aggravation.”
How to Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is defined as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” So, what are some ways you can show your gratitude to others this year? We have some great tips to get you started during this month of gratitude.
- Send a thank-you note. Get in the habit of sending one thank-you note every month. Handwritten notes or an email will suffice. Let someone know how they have impacted your life. It not only makes the recipient feel good, it can also help your happiness.
- Keep a gratitude journal. Start each day writing down three things you are thankful for. It doesn’t have to be something big, or deep. Starting your day with thanks sets the tone for a great day.
- Meditate. Meditation does not have to take a long time. Find a quiet spot in your home, or even your car where you can have at least 5 minutes of uninterrupted time. Focus on either a word, or something that you are thankful for. Close your eyes and let yourself focus in on the feeling of the word or thought. It is amazing how just 5 minutes a day can adjust your focus on life.
- Prayer. For those who pray, prayer can be like meditation. Focus on what you are most thankful for in your life, and keep a prayer journal about those things.
Giving Thanks & Giving Back Can Make You Happier
We have all heard the phrase “attitude of gratitude.” What does that mean exactly? One definition we found suggests, “An attitude of gratitude allows you to be thankful for all the blessings you receive each day, despite having challenges or setbacks in life. It means that you can always express your appreciation for all the opportunities you get in your life. A person who feels grateful knows that sometimes good comes out of bad events, even if the situation seems hopeless.”
Homeowners Impact Fund
The last couple of years haven’t been the same experience for everyone. Giving back to our local community is another way to share with those who need it. The Homeowners Impact Fund was created as a way for those benefitting from homeownership to collectively give their support to those experiencing homelessness in an ongoing and sustainable way. If each of our partners makes an annual pledge for at least a three-year commitment, our collective donations allow the organizations best suited to solving the homeless crisis to focus on serving those in need. Our HIF goal is for everyone in our community to have a place to call home, and this can be achieved through the power of collective giving.
The HIF fall campaign is going on now and Dickens Mitchener has a goal of raising $50,000 by the end of the year. Would you consider giving back to our community this year through a donation? We thank you for your generous support.
One thing we can all share in this holiday season is gratitude. On behalf of everyone at Dickens Mitchener, we wish you and yours a healthy, safe, and happy new year filled with peace.
