Many people live with the thrilling anticipation that the holiday season brings.
The Christmas season arrived this year on the day after Halloween. I know because that’s when I saw the first Christmas shopping commercials.
While browsing a holiday bazaar a couple of weeks ago I noted that half the tables were decorated with Christmas ornaments. Those tables also were embellished with trifles in festive combinations of red and white meant to inspire hope and joy. One of the vendors giggled as she told me she had been in the Christmas spirit for two months already and had been slowly sneaking Christmas decorations into her house when her husband wasn’t looking.
What about Thanksgiving? Aren’t we supposed to pause with our loved ones over slices of turkey and canned cranberry sauce? Isn’t this the time we give thanks for all we have—property and blessings?
The ability to enjoy the season of giving during which we bestow and receive gifts is a gift in itself. However, we should not ignore the day set aside for simply giving thanks.
Scientists know that faking an emotion can lead people to actually experience it. Thinking about love, sadness, joy or gratitude can help us feel those things. Most of us seek out love and joy. We tend to hide from sadness when we can. We are inclined to ignore thankfulness or gratitude when times are hard.
The past year has been difficult for many people. Some have lost jobs and homes and families. Some might be using this newspaper for a blanket. When personal tragedy strikes, we’re forced to deal with circumstances as they are, and gratitude fades. What do we have to be thankful for? We have enough to deal with when life hurts, and we slide into survival mode. When humans suffer, from hurt bodies or hurt hearts, we tend to withdraw from our thankfulness place.
I believe in starting with the basics when we face any new challenge. If you have lost your job or your home you may be quite sure your have nothing to be thankful for. Did you have a warm place to sleep last night? Did you have a hot, filling meal today? Did a stranger give you an encouraging smile?
Think of something you could feel grateful for and tell yourself you are thankful for it. When enough of those experiences add up you will be reminded of what it feels to be thankful, and you will be humbled with gratitude for the ability to feel that emotion.
We have set aside Thanksgiving Day to dwell on those treasures for which we are grateful, but in these times we find ourselves wondering at thankfulness on any day and at any time. It’s OK. Don’t ignore the feeling, but try to smile. It’s a great place to start improving your present circumstances.
All emotions are gifts, including the ones that hurt. Take time this season to experience your emotions and feel thankful for whatever blessings you have.
Ronda Bishop is a licensed mental health counselor and experienced parenting educator. She has worked as a counselor, teacher, and life coach for the past 15 years. Questions for Ronda can be e-mailed to Mslrbishop@comcast.net.
