Putting the ‘Thanks’ Back in Thanksgiving

We’re told to remain grateful, count our blessings, and be thankful. We’ve seen it on our social media feed all week. But it’s hard to pause and give thanks while we’re running on the hamster wheel of life. Yet odd as it may seem, it can be even more difficult on the fourth Thursday of November.

There’s turkey to eat, football to watch, Black Friday ads to peruse, and couches to nap upon!

Who has time for thankfulness?

Alas, it’s easy to turn a blind eye toward giving thanks on a day specifically designed to do so.

But you can put the thanks back into Thanksgiving and have an attitude of gratitude. Let’s reclaim this national holiday and make a conscious effort to show appreciation for all we’ve received. Here’s how.

Togetherness matters

Whenever we’re part of a group – work, school, clubs, or volunteer organizations – we make a public statement of unity. We know we’re all in this together and must help each other. Today makes for an inherently good day to set aside grievances or, better yet, seek forgiveness from others.

Focus on the good

We’ve all fallen into the trap that life stinks. We wish we made more money, that our jobs would improve, that our bodies looked better, or that relationships weren’t so complicated. Today, let’s focus on the good – the people in our lives, the joy we’ve received, the moments that have yet to happen. There’s power in making conscious choices to think positively.

Be a force for others

Take that optimistic energy and pass it on. Like an athlete who elevates others’ games, emotions are contagious. In the 2019 film, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers, who helps a jaded magazine writer overcome skepticism and learn about kindness and forgiveness. We may not have the media prowess and celebrity of Mister Rogers, but we all – as human beings – share that same capacity for love.

Take action

You can’t love others without some measure of action. It doesn’t take much to do little niceties, offer small surprises, or do the unexpected. Employers love it when workers go above and beyond. Now, apply that point of view to your Thanksgiving, and you’ll really show thanks to those around you.

About ChoiceLocal
ChoiceLocal is a franchise marketing agency dedicated to leading a purpose-driven business as the first and only franchise marketing agency with a money-back guarantee. This has led to successful partnerships with over 50 franchise brands and a spot on the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies. Our core values are driven not only by the digital marketing work that is done but reflected by each person who becomes a teammate; we volunteer in our local communities every quarter and make a difference to those around us. Named a top workplace for four years straight, ChoiceLocal is dedicated to making the lives of everyone we are involved with better.