These days, I see and hear of more people who feel the weight of troubled hearts and worried minds, rather than the happiness that usually exudes from hearts around this time of year. Today’s emotional, psychological & physical climates are the cause of much suffering that has transpired this year, and also of the uncertainty of what’s yet to come. So, how do we cope with all of this and still feel grateful for all we have, all while doing our part to spread love and cheer with our family, friends, neighbors and everyone we meet, throughout the holiday season?
What does grateful mean? It is the ‘feeling or showing of a warm or deep appreciation of kindness; to be thankful.’ To be hopeful means ‘feeling or inspiring optimism about a future event.’ To experience these two together is a sure way to increase your contentment, happiness and success. By allowing these emotions to live in your heart, you allow positive events to impact you as a person and dispel the negative attributes of the world around you.
However, this is not always an easy accomplishment, especially during such challenging times. As we enter into this season of Thanksgiving, let’s take a look at some steps we can take towards making it easier. Here are a few important tips on creating and maintaining a grateful and hopeful heart.
Don’t be so easily offended. I have been a culprit of this many times. It is easy to get upset when you feel someone has insulted you, whether intentionally or not. Or, perhaps you get offended when others exhibit a form of selfishness or entitlement. These offended feelings usually lead to anger and hurtful thoughts. Do the opinions of others really matter so much? Remember, being offended doesn’t make you right. Let go of your feelings about how others feel, and focus on your own reality. Let others have their opinions and thoughts, and you have your own. Spend your time focused on more important matters and people in your life.
Give up your assumptions. It is our human nature that kicks in and leads us to making automatic assumptions. And, we tend to see and assume the worst, until such time we are proven wrong. We say that others are innocent until proven guilty, but we usually choose to assume the negative over the positive. What this does is breed more negativity, as well as cause angry and hurtful thoughts… and often prematurely and/or incorrectly. So, think positive and assume the best… even about yourself! Remember, our thoughts lead to our words and actions. In turn, they will also determine the outcomes of our relationships with others, as well as how we feel about ourselves and our own lives.
Stop making comparisons. This is definitely easier said than done; but it is so crucial. More time spent comparing yourself to others is more time spent not doing what you need to do in order to better yourself. Everyone is different, and making too many comparisons tends to minimize your own self-worth and those around you. Now, I’m not saying that we cannot strive to work hard, be better, achieve more and succeed. However, humble yourself. Comparisons usually develop prideful thoughts, which will result in you thinking you’re better than others; or a false sense of low self-esteem as you think others are better than you. By all means, be happy for others, congratulate, show affection and love when you can. But, don’t let the lives of others dictate what you do or how you live. No one can do a better job at being and loving you – than you!
Don’t give up hope. This one is the most important of all. We all have expectations, dreams, goals and plans for today and our future. We must remember that no matter what obstacles come our way, no matter the challenges we face, when we wake in the morning, we have an opportunity to try again. Take life as it comes and continue on, and don’t let setbacks or unmet expectations rob you of the lessons to be learned and the joy that already exists. With hope in your heart and your eye on the prize, contentment is easier to come by, and gratitude usually follows.
So… how do you maintain a grateful and hopeful heart? Practice these steps on a continuous basis… even if only one at a time at first. It doesn’t take much to see the good in life, if you just take the time to look for it. And, don’t let the little things that get in the way, steal your perseverance, positivity or joy!
Happy Thanksgiving!
–Chintz 💄
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Such precious pointers here, thank u!!
Thank you! ❤💄