How To Practice Thankfulness This Holiday Season
Hi everyone! Olivia here, I’m so happy to be back! My oh my, what a wild year 2020 has been – I’m virtually sending you and yours a hug and a hallelujah – we’ve (almost) made it! As we look forward to the end of the year, I know how challenging this holiday season is going to be, and how different it’s going to feel for all of us. I might just curl up with a blanket and a Hallmark movie marathon instead… want to join?? But, before we slip on our flannel pajamas, let’s talk emotions surrounding these last couple months of 2020. If you’re wondering what the holidays are going to look like this season, I am right there with you.
I’ll admit, I’ve let some anxiety creep into what is usually blissful excitement surrounding the season. Do you know the feeling? When I start to experience that anxiety, I’ve been working to find ways that help refocus and reframe that energy. If you’re like me, the small, daily practices make a big difference. Here are some simple exercises in thankfulness that I’m implementing to help practice gratitude and I hope you’ll join me!
Three Things
Do you get giddy over long lists? Because I do too. If list-making is your thing, this practice is especially for you. Every night before bed, I ask myself, “What three things am I thankful for today?” Sometimes my answer is as simple as: the moment I had to enjoy my morning coffee, my hot shower, or my walk around the block. I’ve found that if we reframe our habitual tasks throughout the day, we can invite appreciation into spaces that might become mundane. Is there something that you did today that you are grateful for? Maybe it was getting out of the house or making dinner. I’d love to know, share with me below! What three things are you thankful for today?
Write It Down
Hands up if your love language is words of affirmation… (immediately raises hand.) Even if words aren’t at the top of your list, this simple practice will fill your heart with gratitude. Every year during the month of November, I write thank-you notes to people in my life that I appreciate and am grateful for. Sometimes it’s an old youth soccer coach who heavily impacted my life (shoutout to our AYSO days), or an aunt who recently lent me a book to read. Is there someone that comes to mind when you think about giving thanks? If you answered yes, let the gratitude flow. From big things like thank-you-mom-for-raising-me, to smaller things like thank-you-sister-friend-for-giving-me-a-ride-home-that-day. Is there someone in your life you’d like to thank? Whether we mail the letters or not, writing it down keeps the gratitude at the front of our minds and keeps us practicing that thankfulness. Who are you going to write to first?
Acts of Kindness
Who here agrees that now more than ever, we could all use a little more grace? And what better time than in the midst of the year we’ve all had to practice acts of kindness. Whether you add a little change to the tip jar at your local coffee spot or call you parents to say hello, let’s work together this holiday season to spread the love. When we prioritize kindness, we prioritize people. What’s better than that, right?
These simple practices in thankfulness can open our eyes to the good in the every day. As the holidays approach, let’s try to pause to appreciate the things we dohave this year, even if traditions look a little differently than normal. I know it’s going to be challenging, but I’m with you sister. Together we can give each other that grace as we practice giving thanks. Is there an exercise you’d add to this list? Let me know! And in the meantime cheers to the most wonderful time of the year!
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More About Olivia
Olivia Phelps is a content creator, writer and reporter located in Southern California who loves sports, words and being outside. You can watch her online covering the Big West Conference on ESPN3 and stay tuned for the launch of her blog. In the meantime, check her out on Instagram @liviphelpsfor all things ESPN, women in sports, inspirational quotes and her puppy Tiger (who steals the show). In case you missed my first post on how to keep your relationship fun during Covid, check it out here.
