Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.
Melody Beattie
1948 –

This week, the U.S. celebrates Thanksgiving. But it’s unlikely to be the holiday so many of us have grown accustomed to having. With a global pandemic still raging, many people consider it unsafe to travel or meet in large groups. Many others have suffered job losses or other financial setbacks and don’t have the money for a traditional celebration. Still others have lost loved ones to Covid-19 and are too grief-stricken to celebrate this year.

I think most of us know someone who has been affected by the pandemic. And many of us are fearful of what’s still to come. Given the current circumstances, it can be difficult to feel thankful for anything.

But if you’re reading this, you’re still alive. And that’s something you can be thankful for.

It’s not easy to be grateful during dark times. Gratitude won’t erase the troubles you may be having. But it might make them feel less daunting.

Ryan Fehr, an expert on gratitude, says “Research shows that gratitude can help us cope with traumatic events, regulate our negative emotions, and improve our well-being.” He suggests that you write down a handful of things you’re grateful for in your life. Having conversations with others where you express what’s going well for you can also help you cope. And writing a gratitude letter can give an emotional boost to both you and someone else.

Make a little time this week to take stock of your life. Acknowledge what you’ve lost, but don’t let that be the sole focus of your thoughts. Identify the people and things that have served you well this year and be thankful for them. Find a way to experience some joy. And remember that today’s pain won’t be with you forever.

This a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.
Maya Angelou
1928 – 2014

Copyright © 2020 John Chancellor and Cheryl Chancellor