It’s been another year. Another crazy, topsy-turvy year. And for some of us (at least in America), Thanksgiving Day will be hard, fraught with difficult emotions. I’ve found it helpful to look for my gratitude during those times. But it isn’t easy to find something to be thankful for when you’re grieving, or angry, or hurting. Here are some quotes, ten ways to say thank you when it’s difficult. If you’re finding gratitude difficult, chose one or all ten of these and make them a mantra. It is the path to joy. If not joy, it at least will give you some peace.
At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
Albert Schweitzer
10 Ways to Say Thank You
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.
Meister Eckhart
I’d like to say to all my fans out there, thanks for the support. And to all my doubters, thank you very much because you guys have also pushed me.
Usain Bolt
Thank you to our farmers for all you do to keep food on our tables.
Elise Stefanik
Thank you for accepting me as I am, with my virtues and defects.
Jenni Rivera
This a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.
Maya Angelou
Every life is a story, thank you for being part of my story.
Unknown
I feel a very unusual sensation – if it is not indigestion, I think it must be gratitude.
Benjamin Disraeli
When eating a fruit, think of the person who planted the tree.
Vietnamese Proverb
I couldn’t find a card that expressed my gratitude the way I wanted. I need a card that gives you a big hug.
Unknown
For all that has been – thanks. For all that shall be – yes.
Dag Hammarskjöld
At some point in life the world’s beauty becomes enough. You don’t need to photograph, paint, or even remember it. It is enough.
Toni Morrison
My Gratitude
My year has been an emotional roller coaster. It took a little bit of thinking to find a writerly bit of gratitude for the Writers in the Storm blog, The 2021 WITS Team Gives Writerly Thanks.
But taking the moment to think about what I have revealed many things for which I can honestly give thanks. I am eternally grateful for
Nearly twenty-eight years with the love of my life.
The friends who stood by me on days when I could barely acknowledge them.
The readers who have waited patiently for my irregular blog posts and for the next novel.
For the amazing personal and professional opportunities that have presented themselves to me in the past few months.
And for the people who rekindled that spark of gratitude in me.
Thank you.
Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.
W. J. Cameron
My Hope
Whether or not you celebrate an American Thanksgiving, I hope your day is a day of peace. A day when you can find at least one small thing for which you can say thank you.
They say time is a great healer. No, it’s not. Time simply passes. We have to heal ourselves. There are millions of ways to heal from your grief, anger, or hurt (whatever it is). You can do it. You may need a mental health first aid kit or a joy toolbox. You may need something else. Please, take this day to breathe. To find gratitude for the things you have, even if it is very little. To thank yourself for surviving to this day even if you sometimes wish you hadn’t. To find a gratitude mantra for the days that are so hard you don’t think you’ll make it. These 10 ways to say thank you are only a start. You can do it. I believe in you.