REFRESH
THANKSGIVING Attitude
of Gratitude
W I TH A
N 10 10 November
November 2016
washingtonFAMILY.com 2016 washingtonFAMILY.com



TEXT: DIANE TURNER MALLER
This seemingly simple exercise allowed Maya
Angelou, in that moment, to experience the
transformation that she so desperately needed.

She recounted, “From that encounter on, whether
my days are stormy or sunny and if my nights
are glorious or lonely, I maintain an attitude of
gratitude. If pessimism insists on occupying my
thoughts, I remember there is always tomorrow.

Today I am blessed.”
The littlest things that we do with heart and humility
serve to lay the foundation for creating a thankful
home, a thankful family and a thankful child. Best
practices for cultivating gratitude include everyday
things. Be thankful for every meal. Rekindle a tried and
true traditional “grace” or create for the first time
a simple blessing to be used at mealtime. This may
take some experimentation and repetition in order to
find the most meaningful practice for your family.

Most kids don’t see an example of other families
saying grace while dining at Subway or Burger King.

In more public settings, a short period of silence
might be the trick to acknowledge thankfulness.

On the other hand, your family may be comfortable
sharing your blessing in any setting, whether at
home, the park or your favorite fast food venue.

Keep a gratitude journal. Creating a journal is
an intimate activity to share with your children.

The empty page is there to capture creativity and
becomes a rich canvas for recording and fostering
the developing appreciation of gratitude.

Provide the tools, give examples, make lists and ask
thought-provoking questions.

What are you thankful for today? What did you see
or hear someone else do that was helpful? How do
you know when someone really means what they
say? Be ready to respond to questions from your
children that contribute to a continuing dialogue.

Remember to say “thank you.” Saying thank
you to acquaintances or strangers may feel more
natural than saying thank you to your closest
family members; the ones who are most easily
taken for granted. The familiar social conventions
of “please” and “thank you” that we teach our
children and have practiced for a lifetime have a
way of creating a safe, courteous distance.

In contrast, a simple, sincere “thank you” said when
a spouse brings over a cup of coffee can become an
opportunity for emotional intimacy. A sibling can
offer thanks for homework help that neutralizes the
effects of a previous conflict. Unexpected moments
of true gratitude bring heightened awareness of
important changes in the people around us.

Read stories about perseverance and
overcoming hardship. The winter that my
children and I read through Laura Ingalls
Wilder’s Little House series was a cozy
opportunity to become acquainted with
the indomitable spirit of pioneer families
who ventured west and whose courage
and perseverance shaped a country. If
the Ingalls family could live through
hardship with grace and gratitude then
we can too.

Be kind to yourself. Thank yourself
for doing your best. Your children will
notice. Be of service. Participate in service
projects as a family. The good feelings
that result rub off onto your children
and soon they could be the ones who are
looking for ways to help.

Nurturing gratitude throughout the year is the
best preparation for celebrating the once-a-year
Thanksgiving holiday. Embrace the day with gusto.

Put up the Pilgrim and turkey decorations. Gather
with family for a delicious feast and celebrate joys as
well as hardships. Turn on the football game. Make
the most of traditions from the past and create new
ones just for your family. And, as always, count your
blessings. Diane Turner Maller is a freelance writer who is most
thankful for the gift of family and for periods of peace that
she treasures in her quiet, small town life.

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