As we enter the second half of first semester, the dullness of a new school year starts to set in — classes get harder, grades get more real and the days feel long with practices ending when it’s dark outside and hours of studying still await. High school begins to feel like a fast-paced blur, but just like that, Thanksgiving approaches and reminds us we have so much to be thankful for.
With the constant pull of responsibilities, it has become easy to overlook all the small things that make each day meaningful and bright. High school presents us with an array of experiences and challenges, highs and lows, celebrations and disappointments. Upon reflection, we can find gratitude in all of it. Reflecting on challenges with gratitude can help build resilience and allow internal growth to occur. This concept of finding gratitude in everything we do, whether good or bad, helps shape us and appreciate the people that are with us each day.
This idea of being thankful is critical to our well-being, and practicing gratitude can benefit our lives in a multitude of ways. Gratitude is a sense of happiness and thankfulness in response to recognizing and experiencing all aspects of life. Expressing gratitude towards someone benefits the giver and receiver.
Gratitude enriches our lives and encourages us to pause and think about how fortunate we are. It may seem impossible to find time in your day to slow down and think, but by doing so you are able to foster a positive mindset and focus on what’s meaningful to you. Expressing gratitude will help you become more engaged in your daily life and enhance your emotional regulation and well-being.
Teachers, family and friends are all a part of the growth and support system that we are lucky to have. Each plays a role in our lives and deserves to be shown appreciation often. Simply saying thank you, celebrating each other’s successes and spending time with someone you’re thankful for expresses your gratitude and shows an appreciation for them.
Amongst the chaos in our lives, it is vital that we express our gratitude frequently in order to stay present in the moment. Whether it’s writing a thank you note on a post-it and giving it to a friend or a well-intentioned call to a grandparent, the thoughtfulness does not go unnoticed. We can all agree that the excitement felt when you receive an encouraging message or note brings us joy. We encourage you to set aside time to show someone your appreciation for them. The small act takes minimal time and effort, yet it evokes feelings that are not easy to replicate.
Thanksgiving is near, but remember that practicing gratitude and showing thankfulness doesn’t have to be a once-a-year tradition. By showing thankfulness and making gratitude habitual, you’re offering a gift to yourself and those around you.
