Having Gratitude Not just on Thanksgiving Day

 Expressing daily gratitude is good for us because it lifts our spirit and makes us feel better. In Jewish liturgy, we begin each morning with a Blessing: “Mode’ Ani”- I am grateful; grateful for being given a new day filled with hopes and possibilities to do good for myself and for others. Being grateful allows us to see the blessings that surround us rather than seeing what we are lacking. By enjoying the abundance and sharing it, we keep it flowing. We can even see the hidden blessings in our challenges as we learn from them too.
Our sages said, “Who is rich? Rich is the one who’s happy with his lot.” Things don’t need to be perfect; just good enough for us. It’s simpler than we think. We’re all born with a natural state of content, and happiness is ours to be taken if we only look for it in the small details.
CG Jung wrote, “I am not what happens to me. I am what I choose to become.” Growing up without materialistic stuff, I learned about cognitive reframing. I learned that I can choose what I want to remember, that way I feel empowered rather than being a victim. It’s a choice to think happy, kind and be full of gratitude because positive results come with positive thinking.
Expressing gratitude is an attitude. Being grateful for what we have, from our family, friends, jobs, homes and food down to our smallest achievement.
We can’t take anything for granted because nothing is a given. Every day we have an abundance of reasons to give thanks, not just on Thanksgiving Day. Finding beauty in every day we’re given will give our lives meaning, richness, and joy.
Naomi is a Judaic educator, writer and artist. Learn more at www.naomiyoung.com.