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Thanksgiving Reminds Me to Be Thankful and to Say Thank YouAn Article By Jeanie Marshall
The Thanksgiving holiday in the United States begins what most people call "the holiday season." Other countries have their own celebrations, but at different times of the year. This American holiday, which happens in November, is traditionally a family/community effort, celebrated regardless of race, religion, or national origin. Be Thankful; Say Thank YouI woke up the other morning thinking about the power of feeling and expressing thanks. During the Thanksgiving holiday, people use a variety of approaches to give thanks. Some people who do not naturally say "thank you," do so a little more easily at this time of year. I've been pondering the difference between "being thankful" and "saying thank you." The first is a state of being, a state of mind; the second is an action, an expression with words. It's possible to be thankful and say thank you about a person, place, thing, idea, or nothing in particular. Of course, it's also possible to be thankful and not express thanks and it's possible to express thanks and not be thankful. Variations on Being ThankfulIn particular, I like the energy and concept of "appreciation" when I consider the state of being that's filled with thanks. When in that state, there's no real judgment, but an energy that feeds the one who is appreciating even more than the object (if any) of appreciation. "Thankfulness" and "Gratitude" seem to be most associated with specific people, places, things, or ideas. When choosing those words, generally people are thankful or grateful FOR something. I don't intend for this to be a word game, but an attempt to use words to achieve a deeper meaning. Being thankful as a way of seeing the world is a powerful perspective. Variations on Saying Thank You
Words of gratitude, thanksgiving, and appreciation vary. Many times, a simple "thank you" will be powerful. As a little girl, I said "tan tu" and lit up the faces of those around me. "How wonderful you are!" and a thousand other variations are also expressions of gratitude, thanksgiving, and/or appreciation. "You did a nice job" can be the perfect expression of gratitude, thanksgiving, and/or appreciation in the work place, especially where warm words of loving appreciation are not the norm. Saying some form of "thank you" can energize your own day as well as someone else's. A smile without any words is another powerful expression because it acknowledges and appreciates the presence of a person. And waking up smiling can place you in the consciousness of thankfulness for the day. Today, are you thankful? To whom do you want to say thank you today? (HINT: Remember to include yourself and inanimate objects like your car and computer.) Copyright © 2008 Marshall House. All rights reserved. Jeanie Marshall, Personal Development Consultant and Coach, has developed Empowering Personal Development at www.empowering-personal-development.com to encourage you on your path. This article is not available for republication. This Article is about Thanksgiving and Giving Thanks See Additional Articles in the Self Improvement Articles Section |
