Thanksgiving
Be grateful for what's good
I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
—G.K. Chesterton
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude. On an average day we fly through the hours and commitments without much second thought to higher states of mind. We're not thinking deeply about the future, and even less so are we reflecting on memories — at least not the good ones.
We typically spend time dwelling on the past with a negative inflection. Regret about things we never did. Bad decisions we made. Longing for something we used to have. Kicking ourselves for the various things we missed out on.
But today is our reminder to invert this perspective on the past.
Take the time to recall the memories we're grateful to have made, and the benefits and joys that are so common to our everyday that we don't even notice them. Today is for noticing. For remembering.
American culture prizes forward progress. Working, moving, building, pushing. No other culture puts as much virtue on boldness and building things. Relaxing and reflecting on our place in the world, or in time, isn't baked into the normal pattern of the modern American life. And though we may not be conscious of it, it’s one of the reasons we value Thanksgiving as a dedicated space to pause.
In a culture that so emphasizes progress, competitiveness, and drive, it's essential to balance this (things I think are good!) with moments like Thanksgiving to put ourselves in context — to recall what we've done, what we have, who's around us.
Today, spend some time in your memories (the good ones) — even if not everything is going perfect today, or if you've got some big challenges unresolved. Forget the everyday stresses and share gratitude for the blessings you have.