Why Gratitude?
Happy Sunday and I am happy to share the first holiday blog for the 2024 season. As we know, Thanksgiving is only a few days away, the air outside has changed, and this time of year affects us all in different ways.
If you have not checked it out yet, here is a link to some of last year’s holiday blogs:
Surviving Existential Crisis at the Holiday Dinner Table
I Have Been Counting The Days Since You Last Texted Me…
Grief and the Holidays- Cope Ahead
In the fall after the changing of the clocks, a great deal of people may begin to notice being affected by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder- click to read more).
It gets dark earlier, it gets colder, and it becomes easier to isolate and not want to be social, outgoing, or bothered. Complicated by the holiday season, it can be difficult to be pulled in different directions. We are also experiencing and going through so much on a daily basis. A piece of advice? Take one thing, one day, one moment at a time.
Why gratitude? Well first, I think some people think gratitude is an attitude others must display. But if we expect gratitude from others do we exercise the same behavior? Gratitude simply is a quality of being thankful and showing appreciation for the people, experiences, and things in your life, whether big or small. Gratitude and thankfulness calls us to recognize the positive aspects of our lives and often expressing that appreciation outwardly. We can thank others, and for those who believe can also express gratitude to their life source- God.
Sounds easy. No one raises their hand to say they are ungrateful or have not expressed gratitude. As a relational therapist, I can tell you that gratefulness and appreciation are two things many individuals, couples, and families struggle with. We don’t practice it, so how can others in our lives feel it? We take so much for granted sometimes. I intervene by saying, well, find every opportunity big or small to express gratitude, validation, and appreciation. It matters so much. When they say thank you goes a long way, so does reciprocity. A giver is never poor.
Gratitude isn’t just a nice fuzzy holiday feeling—it’s a powerful practice that can transform your mental health at any time of year. Research shows that regularly expressing gratitude can reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase feelings of happiness. By taking a few intentional moments each day to focus on gratitude, you can foster a more positive mindset.
This Thanksgiving week, let’s shift our focus from what may be missing to what we have. By cultivating a grateful heart, you can make this holiday season—and every day—more meaningful.
Gratitude in 3 Steps:
Acknowledgment: Recognizing the good things in your life, whether they’re tangible (a gift or a meal) or intangible (kindness or love) despite bad or undesirable experiences
Appreciation: Feeling a deep sense of thankfulness for these positive aspects.
Expression: Communicating or demonstrating your gratitude, either through words, actions, or gestures.
Types of Gratitude:
Situational Gratitude: Feeling thankful for something specific, like receiving help during a difficult time.
Dispositional Gratitude: A general, ongoing attitude of appreciation for life as a whole.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving and kicking off the holiday season, let us please remember that gratitude isn’t just reserved for one day—it’s a practice that can enrich our lives all year long. Whether it’s finding joy in the little things, expressing thanks to friends and loved ones, or simply taking a moment to appreciate yourself. Gratitude is a gift that keeps giving.
Also remember to be kind to yourself, set healthy boundaries, and embrace the power of reflection. Thanksgiving is not just about what’s on the table but who’s around it—and the connections, both within and beyond ourselves, that make life meaningful.
I am wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, love, and moments of peace. Take care, and remember—you are worthy of gratitude too.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Let’s connect. Email me: moniqueevanstherapy@gmail.com
Accepting individual, couples, and family clients (self-pay and select insurance via headway.co- Monique Evans, LCSW)
For social work clinicians, I also offer clinical consultation meetings (Not to be confused with clinical supervision for licensure hours) at any level of practice.
Book me as your mental health presenter for speaking engagements, podcasts, panels, and presentations.
Disclaimer:
The intention for using social media for social workers and other mental health professionals is for marketing, education, advocacy, thought leadership, and providing content in a technologically changing field. We want to do this while making potential therapy-seekers aware of the risks and benefits of engagement on social media and Internet where mental health professionals are present. A therapeutic relationship is a professional relationship and in today's technological climate, a social media presence or following your therapist on social media is not to be confused with a relationship outside of therapy. Ethical, professional, and therapeutic boundaries must be followed and honored.
A counseling social media page or blog is not psychotherapy, a replacement for a therapeutic relationship, or substitute for mental health and medical care. A social media presence as a counseling professional is not seeking an endorsement, request, or rating from past or current clients. No social media posts or blog should be considered professional advice. The information contained in posts is general information for educational purposes only.
Be mindful of sharing personal details or details or others if you choose to comment.
Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and wellbeing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical and/or psychiatric mental health crisis and requires assistance, please call 911 emergency services.
988- National Suicide Prevention Hotline (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Safe Horizon 24-hour Hotlines (se habla español):
Domestic violence victims: 800-621-HOPE (4673)
Victims of crime and their families: 866-689-HELP (4357)