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Thanksgiving 2023 - Nurturing Gratitude & Connection

 


Thanksgiving 2023:

Nurturing Gratitude & Connection


As I write this, we are just a few days away from Thanksgiving.  And it's always an opportune time to reflect on the importance of gratitude and connection with our families and friends.  As a Marriage & Family Therapist, I have seen first hand, the transformational power of fostering a sense of gratitude.  Gratittude helps our minds remain more positive.

And, personally, my word for this year has been Friendship, which has caused me to think more about my own connections with family and friends.

In this blog post, I'll share some insights and practical tips to help families develop a spirit of thankfulness during this holiday season, and throughout the year.

Acknowledge the Journey

Thanksgiving often marks a time of reflection.  It causes us to think about what we have and how we are blessed.  During your Thanksgiving celebration with your family, try acknowledging your collective journey throughout the year.  Reflect on challenges and successes.  Remind each other how you've supported one another.  Reflecting in this way can create a shared sense of gratitude and resilience, and may foster a deeper connection amongst your family members.

Mindful Communication

During your family gathering, both now at Thanksgiving, and even at Christmas or other holidays your family celebrates together, communication plays a huge role.  As you gather with your family and friends, encourage open and mindful communication.  Take time to really slow down and listen to one another and take time to express gratittude for the positive aspects that each person brings to the table.  This type of communication can strengthen bonds and create and atmosphere of understanding and respect.

Gratitude Rituals

As you gather together, suggest incoporating gratitude rituals into your Thanksgiving celebration.  In my family, we always went around the table and shared one or two things we were grateful for, that day or that year.  By doing this, it not only helped me reflect on the entire year, but helped me to recall some positive things that I was grateful for.  Another idea could be writing small notes of appreciation for each family member, dropping them in a jar, and then distributing them later, for them to read individually.  This provides a sense of love and value for each other.  

Embrace Imperfection

The holidaus can sometimes be stressful, with high expectations of each other, the children, or the homes.  We often strive to be perfect.  But what I find in my work as a therapist, imperfection is a part of being human and a part of what makes each of our stories unique.  It's also how we learn and grow.  So, embrace the messy and imperfect moments.  Take time to enjoy.  Find gratitude in simply sharing an experience together.

Volunteer Together

For some people, giving back to others in need is the best way to express their gratitude.  And Thanksgiving is a great time to do so.  You can engage in various acts of kindness together as a family, whether it's working at a homeless shelter or participating in a local community event.  Doing this type of activity together as a family can foster a sense of gratitude and unity.

Establish Boundaries

In order to ensure a mor harmonious Thanksgiving gathering, it's important to set some healthy family boundaries, especially during the holiday season.  This might involve discussing openly about personal needs, topics of conversation, or family expectations.  By establishing boundaries, it ensures that everyone feels resepcted and understood, which helps contribute to a more harmonious family gathering.

Reflect on Family Traditions

Traditions are powerful connectors for families.  These traditions are sadly often only reflected upon, when a family member passes away.  But what better way to celebrate family now, that to reflect on and celebrate your own unique traditions, and weave some gratitude in, as well.  As you reflect on traditions, you will inevitably come across some that hold a special place in your heart, so  Thanksgiving is as good a time as any, to express your gratitude.  This not only reinforces a sense of contiuity, but also helps family members appreciate the significant of these shared expreriences.

As you approach Thanksgiving 2023, focus on nutruring gratitude and connection with the ones we love.  By incorporating some of these tips, we can create an environment of appreciation, understanding, value, and love, making this holiday season a truly joyous experience for all.


If you'd like to see any of my previous blog posts, please click here.

If you'd like more direct and personal help with improving communication or harmony in your relationships, please visit my website and schedule a free 15 minute consultation - www.brittaniedmillslmft.com.


I provide online couples and individual counseling throughout California, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida.


Website - www.brittaniedmilslmft.com

Email - bdmills@brittaniedmillslmft.com

Phone - (925) 335-6122

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