Plant the Seed For A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving can be a time when many people assess the direction of their lives and give thanks. But there are others who may struggle with factors that make it difficult to feel thankful and, instead, feel pessimistic, unhappy and hopeless.

There are, of course, many issues that contribute to this less-than-thankful outlook.

Depression can make it hard for some people to achieve any sort of healthy perspective about the present or the future. Those recovering from despair, though, may be thankful that medication and professional counseling are available to help them achieve the emotional balance needed to enjoy the present and look more positively toward the future.

People exposed to situations where trauma, such as abuse and violence, was frequent are often devoid of the emotions commonly found in healthier individuals who can sense hope and optimism.

An understanding of the psychological destruction that can arise from these situations is impossible for those who have never experienced the horrors of child abuse, incest, battering and emotional isolation. Being reared by caregivers in a healthy environment is a strong reason to give thanks.

Extreme, prolonged stress often leads to detachment, isolation and pessimism. Physical problems frequently begin to emerge as a result of this stress and further compound those feelings.

Trouble at work or perhaps unemployment can be difficult. A bad marriage, absence of family or friends to provide support, health or financial problems can all produce psychological tension.

If you are fortunate and have not encountered these life experiences, Thanksgiving is a good time to step back and appreciate the many positive things that have occurred during the past year.

Here are some of the ways you can focus on your blessings:

* Make a list of all of your achievements in the past year and give yourself a pat on the back.

* Think about how you may have positively afffected someone. They may be giving thanks for your support during a troublesome time.

* Look at any healthy growth of your family, any hurdle or obstacle overcome.

* Believe that even though progress may not have been as great as you hoped, you did make significant gains.

* Plant the seed for a self-fulfilling prophecy. Your positive outlook and a healthy belief that the future holds opportunity and challenge can start as a dream and become a reality.