Talking Point: Giving Thanks for Thanksgiving
We don’t have Thanksgiving here in England and that’s a shame. For a day of giving thanks is a really good idea. It’s too easy to slip into taking things for granted, to stop noticing things. Important things. Things we already have. Things we really value. Things we’d really miss if we didn’t have them. Simple things. Things we’ve stopped noticing because they’re always there.
Focusing on what’s good is good for you
But being thankful is more than just a nice thing to do. Science suggests a positive and appreciative mindset is good for your health and wellbeing. Gratitude can make you feel great. When you focus on what’s already in your life, on the good stuff you already have (no matter how small), you just feel a whole lot better than when you think about what’s wrong, what didn’t happen, what you haven’t got.
So I’m being thankful this Thanksgiving, ignoring the rotten weather and rotten windows I’ve spent all week trying to fix. And I’m indulging in being wholeheartedly thankful. So, what am I thankful for? Well, where do I start….
For my family
For the roof over my head (let’s not mention the rotting windows)
For the food that is (almost always) in my fridge
Empty fridge syndrome. Home sweet home.
For heat and warmth
For light and dark and light in the darkness
For colour, art and creativity
For freedom, energy and the spirit of play
For life and dreams and the spirit to chase them
For nature and her magic
For green, green grass and deep blue sky
For music, singing and dancing
For sun, rain, sleet, snow and ice
For sunrise and sunset. Everyday. And especially today.
That’s quite a lot to be thankful for.
Talking Point
Do you think gratitude is good for you? What are you thankful for?
Join the conversation
Talking Point is our series of short Photo Friday posts. Each week we pick a photo, post a talking point and invite you to join the conversation. Do leave a comment with your thoughts.
For more photo inspired fun why not check out Travel Photo Thursday from Budget Travelers Sandbox, Photo Friday at Delicious Baby or Friday Dreaming at RWeThereYetMom.
Your blogs always amuse me and give me some food for thought. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks Eileen. Happy thanksgiving to you too!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I can see you put a lot of thought into your photos. They are wonderful. I have so many favourites. The Faroe Island one is such a beautiful travel and family shot. The dressed tree and the flares. Spectacular. I am thankful that we are privileged by birthplace alone to be able to travel and enjoy the world. Not everyone is so lucky.
Jan. Thanks. It is a privilege of birthplace to be able to travel and experience the world and to be able to share it as a family and with others. Much to be thankful and mindful of in that. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
It’s great to have a day set aside for giving thanks but we should be giving thanks everyday. I’m grateful for so many things, least of all being able to read and enjoy your lovely post. Happy Thanksgiving!
I think I might start a petition,”UK needs Thanksgiving!”.
I’ll sign it
I can come over and train everyone if required!
Come on over. You’re always welcome. Been too long.
Gorgeous, beautiful, inspiring post! Thank you!
Beautiful shots! I do believe we all need to be grateful for what we have, or what we’ve experienced. What I hope is that we do it all year, not just one month out of the year
Yes, that’s a challenge for me… to notice and be grateful everyday.
Amen.
Wow these photos really are amazing!