Want to be happier? Be thankful this Thanksgiving

By Russ Minary | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

“When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” (G. K. Chesterton)

This year on Thursday Nov. 27^th, our nation celebrates the official Federal holiday of Thanksgiving. President George Washington created this annual celebration with his Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789, stating “…it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor (and)… to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Take a moment to read Washington’s entire proclamation. Thanksgiving is a unique part of our American heritage and freedom.

Every Thanksgiving, we should each ask and answer a question for ourselves: “To whom and for what am I thankful?”  George Washington answered the question precisely in a way that every American citizen today should understand and appreciate.

This type of thanksgiving is different from simply saying ‘thanks’ to the person behind the counter that just handed us our bag of food; a person who politely held the door so we could enter a store; or the friend who just helped us do a difficult task. It is important (and shows good manners) to thank and show appreciation to people who do good things for us. If you’re thankful, pass it along. 

Every day, I am very thankful for many things. Some of these are: my life; my wife, kids and grandkids; a home, food, clothing, heat, clean water, fresh air, the ability to travel freely, physical health, good friends and neighbors, a clear mind, great books (including the Bible), faith, freedom, the beautiful world in which we live, both good and bad experiences, my God-given rights and the promise of heaven for anyone (including me) who will believe and accept it. 

There are many practical benefits from being grateful for your blessings. Being thankful can make you healthier, less stressed, happier; more relaxed, positive and likeable, more persuasive and able to make friends and get along better with others. This article (“Benefits of Gratitude: 31 Important Reasons to be Grateful”) gives you a lot of reasons for practicing gratitude. 

Be grateful for what you do have instead of fretting about what you don’t have. Find a reason to be thankful, no matter how difficult or challenging your circumstances may be. It can change your focus from selfishness to selflessness. You’ll feel better when you do that – and it costs nothing. 

If you gather with family or friends to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, consider asking every person to share what they’re thankful for, why they are thankful and to whom they are thankful. You can start the conversation by sharing your thoughts on the subject. Call or visit someone who is alone or hurting or in need or could use a bit of love and encouragement. Be generous. Share a meal or just spend time with someone. 

Here’s a final thought: don’t forget to thank God, every day, for all of the many blessings He has given you. The Apostle Paul wrote, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7)

Russ Minary is a retired sales executive, marketing consultant, small business owner and veteran. He has lived in CO for 50 years and resides in Douglas County. 

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.