Key Takeaways:
Research shows that expressing gratitude helps improve mental health and well-being. Gratitude has long been associated with greater happiness, positive emotions, good experiences, improved health, and strong relationships.
Despite the difficult year that 2020 has been for most people, there are still a number of things to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. Whether you are lucky enough to celebrate the holiday in a traditional fashion with those you love or are celebrating in a new way this year, it is a good day to take some time to reflect on this year and the things you are thankful for - be these things small or large.
Why take the time for gratitude today?
Does it sound a bit cheesy to be grateful today? Perhaps it sounds a bit too hard this year. All valid opinions, but perhaps this will sway your idea.
Research shows that expressing gratitude helps improve mental health and well-being. Gratitude has long been associated with greater happiness, positive emotions, good experiences, improved health, and strong relationships. Sometimes when we are feeling the least grateful is actually when we need to start considering gratitude the most as it can help make a grey day a bit more colorful.
115 Things to Be Thankful For in 2020
Each of us has a lot of things to be thankful for in 2020, though naturally, that is different for each of us. This is an ideas list that may help you to get your juices flowing of the things you are grateful for this year. Try to create your own list so you can see the bounty that has been sent your way even in a difficult year.
(If these ideas do not apply to your personal situation, feel free to skip ahead to the next one that does!)1. A community that is there for you. (Need a community? Join GetSetUp’s virtual community for life long learners. We love to have new learners join and share!)
2. A partner or spouse who is there for you.
3. Friends and family
4. The children in your life
5. Access to clean, drinkable water
6. Food to eat and not being hungry
7. A roof over your head
8. Access to the medication you need to stay healthy.
9. Fresh fruits and vegetables
10. Random acts of kindness
11. Mistakes that helped you grow as a person
12. Modern conveniences like electricity, indoor plumbing, air conditioning, etc.
13. A good book
13. A decrease in pollution and carbon emissions this year
14. Feeling accepted
15. A work of art that moves you
16. A nice hot shower or bath
17. Diversity
18. The ability to work from home in your pajamas
19. A beautiful sunrise
20. A song you love
21. Playing a board game or online game with friends or family
22. Catching up with an old friend
23. A routine you enjoy
24. The smell of freshly baked cookies
25. Making a gift for someone with your own two hands.
26. Surprises
28. A hot cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate
29. A clean home after a day of cleaning and decluttering
30. Sincere appreciation from others
31. A movie that makes you laugh
32. Listening to your favorite band
33. Free apps for games, organization, and to stay in touch with friends
34. An ice-cold drink on a hot day
35. New clothes
36. A really comfortable chair or sofa
37. Snow days
38. Respect from others
39. Paydays
40. Dancing for pure joy
41. Someone enjoying your writing/art/creativity
42. Thank you notes
43. A favorite memory that you cherish
44. A great view
45. The sense of accomplishment when you complete a difficult task
46. Being pushed to “think outside the box”
47. Teachers who spent the extra time to give you the knowledge you have today
48. A morning walk
49. Warm fuzzy socks
50. Dog or cat snuggles
51. Spending time on a hobby you love
52. Your favorite TV show
53. Hugs
54. The fresh smell of clean sheets
55. A gorgeous sunset
56. A child’s honesty
57. Happy people who inspire happiness by their presence
58. Enjoying a movie marathon
59. Internal strength
60. Learning from or about a foreign culture
61. Trying new things
62. Old photographs
63. Technology – that allows us to stay connected with friends and family
64. Positivity — even when things are difficult
65. Getting a good night's sleep
66. Spring flowers
67. Home-cooked meals
68. The weekend
69. Happy memories from your childhood
70. An unseasonably warm winter day
71. Long drives
72. Real honesty
73. Meditation
74. Being forgiven for mistakes
75. Finding unexpected money in your pockets
76. The snooze button
77. Acting like a kid again
78. Sharing a smile with a stranger
79. Overcoming your fears
80. Leaves changing colors in the Fall
81. Clean air
82. Dreamers who never give up
83. The sounds and smell of the ocean
84. Good hair days
85. Uncontrollable laughter
86. The smell of rain right before and after a thunderstorm
87. Driving and getting nothing but green lights
88. Doing something spontaneous
89. Cheering for your favorite team
90. Wearing something that makes you feel confident
91. Getting positive feedback from others
92. Poetry
93. Doing work or volunteer work that matters
94. Taking a nap
95. Discussing old-times with an old friend
96. The convenience of online shopping
97. Feeling hope
98. Feeling inspired
99. Forgiving others
100. The perfect playlist
101. Peace of mind
102. The successes and accomplishments that you've achieved in your life
103. Money in the bank
104. Good health
105. Time to focus on you
106. Hearing good news
107. Hiking when you can get out into nature
108. A sincere apology from someone who hurt you deeply
109. Honest conversations full of deep questions and getting to know someone better
110. Walking on the beach
111. Quiet time
112. Journaling
113. Farmer's markets and local craft fairs
114. The billions of stars on a clear night sky
Those are just a couple ideas to get you started, we know there is so much more out there to be grateful for!
Want to share your list with the community? Just submit it to liz@getsetup.io
Classes by:
Liz Miller
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