During this season many individuals take time from their everyday routines to assess the direction of their lives and give thanks.
Giving thanks implies a positive regard for some outcome. It means being grateful, thankful and appreciative of events in our lives. The ability to interpret life in a positive manner and express gratitude is one of the cornerstones of good mental health.
After almost 33 years of counseling people, I still find it interesting to see how some individuals can focus only on negative outcomes and alternatives and neglect any hint of positive possibilities.
There are, of course, many factors that contribute to a negative, seemingly hopeless outlook:
Depression, especially long-term clinical depression, which can become disabling and require professional attention, is one. The effects of this severe depression can make it next to impossible for some individuals to achieve any sort of healthy perspective about the future. Many depressed individuals are thankful that psycho-pharmaceuticals and professional counseling are available to help them achieve enough balance so that they can begin working on a healthier psychological perspective.
Individuals reared in 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 caring parents 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, further compounding the difficulties. Problems at work, or perhaps unemployment, can be very stressful. A bad marriage, absence of family or friends to provide support, health related problems or financial problems can all produce stress.
If you are fortunate and have not encountered these stressful life experiences, then Thanksgiving is a good time to step back and appreciate the many positive things that have occurred in your life during this last year.
Here are some of the ways you can focus on your blessings and give thanks:
Make a list of all achievements and accomplishments you made in the past year and give yourself a pat on the back for these events.
Think about how you may have positively impacted someone. They may be giving thanks for your contribution to them.
Look at any healthy growth of your family, any hurdle or obstacle overcome.
Believe that even though the progress may not have been as significant as you hoped, you did make significant gains.
Plant the seed for a self-fulfilling prophecy. Here is your positive outlook and a healthy belief that the future holds opportunity and challenge.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 2000
