It’s only been in recent years that we have been bombarded by constant attacks on our attention through social media, news, and ads, which have lowered our energy and even escalated fear and anxiety. We have become less thankful for what we have and more anxious about what is coming next.
The busyness and distractions of life do not allow us to appreciate and be thankful for what is in front of us. We must pause to see and notice all the blessings around us.
In addition, many of us are pressured to try to make Thanksgiving ‘perfect,’ with all the food preparations, navigating challenging family dynamics, the logistics of the day, and so much more. We get so distracted with all the logistics and preparation that we miss the point of Thanksgiving – being thankful!
How do I create space for thankfulness during such a busy season?
- Spend more time in nature, which God made for us! Enjoying being outdoors, away from phones/social media, and simply refreshing. Go for a short walk!
- Reduce phone exposure. Reducing exposure by just one hour a day has been shown to decrease depression and anxiety symptoms. Connect with people in person instead.
- Let go of busy! Ask the Lord for wisdom to know what to say ‘yes’ to and what to say ‘no’ to. Learn that some of your ‘no’s’ can bring you much more peace and calm.
- Let go of focusing on your perceived shortcomings. When your voice and thoughts criticize you, that will weigh you down! It is time to change the story! Learn to see yourself as God sees you.
- Simplify anything possible. That means doing ‘less’ than you usually do.
- Meals/meal prep
- Commitments
- Gift-giving
- Social media consumption
- Declutter: this could be physically, emotionally, relationally, or even spiritually
- Develop evening, morning, and weekend routines
Instead of telling you to do more and more for Thanksgiving, here is an opportunity to ‘let go’ of more so you can pause to enjoy and be thankful for the blessings from the Lord.
Start every day this season with awe, appreciation, and gratitude for what you have and what God is doing! Increase your thankfulness and let your entire being enjoy being THANKFUL!
From all of us at Lifestyle for Health, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Yes! Especially true is the grab of social media where it makes you feel like you can do so much more for fun. But it’s easy to think you haven’t done enough. Or to add just one or two more things, and then be in overwhelm!
thanks Chrissie!