We all know how Thanksgiving is supposed to be: smiling family around a table loaded with food. Yet the reality can be different. Family squabbles, logistical challenges or money issues can make holidays more stressful than uplifting.

You’ve likely read about the power of gratitude to change a person’s perspective and increase happiness. But gratitude doesn’t just show up on Thanksgiving unannounced. You have to invite it into your home and life. A good way to start is by noticing all the things you do have – things other people may be missing.

Consider these five ways to grow gratitude this Thanksgiving:

1. Volunteer: Contact your local food bank or drop-in centre for the homeless, to see how you can help.
2. Visit someone: Take the time to visit someone who is elderly, sick, lonely or even in prison.
3. Strike up a conversation: Instead of ignoring that homeless person, ask them a bit about themselves. Maybe ask their name, and where they hail from. You’d be surprised how easily a conversation can unfold.
4. Compare situations: Learn about parts of the world where kids don’t survive into school-age, let alone into the age where our teens give us so much trouble. Insights on the topic of child and maternal health are available at worldvision.ca.
5. Give back: Donate a bag of outgrown clothes to the local women’s shelter, help collect canned goods for your children’s school food drive or bake for the neighbour who has just lost a job.

By reaching out and increasing gratitude, you may make a new friend at the same time – and that’s something to really be grateful for.

credit – newscanada.com