SCPS High School Gifted Education
Thanksgiving Edition
“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” -John F. Kennedy
Usually, the only time we show our gratitude is when we have benefitted from someone else’s actions. We feel like that is the right thing to do-it is expected. While that is what we have been taught to do, we rarely consider what giving others our gratitude does for our own well-being. Research shows that giving gratitude can help us not only feel good mentally and physically, it can also help us make new friends and even sleep better. So what are we waiting for? Let’s start showing our gratitude, even for our struggles.
As crazy as it may sound, we should also be thankful for our struggles. It is through our setbacks and struggles that we are able to make our biggest leaps forward. The same struggles are what help us to become stronger as we learn from mistakes. We may not feel thankful as we are going through the difficulties, but these difficult times should make us reflect. We can shift to a growth mindset and ask ourselves how we can improve. Each struggle is an opportunity to become stronger and better.
Reflecting on the people and things we are thankful for truly helps to strengthen our community and our relationships. Gratitude does take practice. By modeling and practicing thankfulness, we can make sure we are creating a grateful community. As we go through our day, let’s be sure to thank those people who help make us the best version of ourselves.
The Science of Gratitude
Building Community Through Giving
Volunteers are an integral part of any community. Communities rely on volunteers to help support a variety of services that would otherwise not be possible. Whether working with other students or helping at events, volunteers help programs thrive! And like showing gratitude, the intrinsic rewards are priceless. Consider volunteering with different organizations to not only show gratitude, but to also help your community thrive. In helping your community, you serve as a positive role model for others, you apply and strengthen skills and talents, and you connect with a community of like-minded individuals! Below are just a few organizations that are looking for volunteers.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg
Stafford Junction Brain Builders
Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank
Being Grateful for Failure
Creamy Cornbread Casserole
Leftovers Thanksgiving Sandwich
Gratitude Journal: Count your blessings
Try this: Create a journal to record things for which you feel grateful. Set aside a time to write regularly for two weeks. Reflect on good people, experiences, and things in your life- record the details in your journal. Give it a try and see how counting your blessings increases the joy in your life!
Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377-389.