The Thanksgiving season is a wonderful and much-needed opportunity to reflect on all the wonderful things in our lives. Thanksgiving reminds us of the incredible importance of practicing gratitude. Gratitude is about giving thanks for the good things in your life, large and small. It is both a practice and a way of looking at the world. Studies have shown that regularly taking time to reflect and share your gratitude can offer some benefits for yourself and others.
Gratitude is two-fold. Gratitude affirms the good things we’ve received. It also acknowledges the role other people play in providing our lives with goodness. For seniors and caregivers, there’s no denying that life can be full of unique challenges. Taking some time to focus on the positive and be thankful can offer a refreshing new perspective on our lives. Whether it’s your health, your family, your friends, caregivers or others, there is always something to be grateful for. The more you practice gratitude each day, the better off you’ll be. Practicing gratitude has been shown to have a profound impact on a person’s overall physical and psychological health.
Gratitude doesn’t have to be saved for the big things in life. The habit of being grateful starts with appreciating every good thing in life and recognizing that there is nothing too small for you to be thankful for. Even if we have a “bad” day, we can find something to be thankful for. It could be the caring assistance from a caregiver or a meal prepared just the way you like it. It could be the friendly hello from a friend or the changing colors of the leaves. If we stop, reflect and consider our lives, there are dozens of things to be grateful for each day. it could be as small as a day with less arthritis pain, or as big as the opportunity to see a family member who lives a long distance away from you.
One of the greatest ways to show your gratitude is to give back. This could mean donating to your favorite charity, sending a thinking-of-you note to a friend or helping with making a craft to give to mobile meals. Do things that give you a sense of purpose and which allow you to connect with others. Saying thank you is maybe the best way to express gratitude. We can’t say thank you too much. A sincere expression of gratitude to someone can change our lives and others.
At Kingston, we believe in empowering seniors to lead an active and enriched lifestyle, connecting them with others and nurturing meaningful relationships. In addition to assisting with activities of daily living, we endeavor to make each day the best that each resident can have. We are passionate about caregiving, and truly find fulfillment, gratitude, and joy in helping others. We are grateful for each resident and their families and our prayer is that you have a blessed Thanksgiving filled with grace and peace.
Bob Goyer, Community Relations Director
