The week of Thanksgiving has been my favorite week of the year for as long as I can remember; as a little girl, growing up, and adding a family to it; it has steadfastly remained the same. It is the kick off to the holidays and it is a whole week dedicated to being thankful. This time last week I was wondering why I didn’t feel that same excitement and pleasure at the week I was in. Was I not excited about the holidays? Was I not grateful? Ah, that was it, I was not feeling as grateful as I usually am at this time of a calendar year.

This year has indeed made finding things to be grateful for a bit more of a challenge than previous years. At least that is what I have been thinking; but is it true? I wonder if maybe I have more to be thankful for this year than most years; and I wonder if maybe I should be spending more time than usual being thankful for those things because this year has taught us that lesson in a big way.

My family is safe and healthy (after some of us survived Covid19). I have a nursing job that I am proud to do. I have friends that I don’t see much but I can still connect with. I have enough food. I have clothes to wear. I am able to Christmas shop. I am able to exercise. I am able to appreciate nature. I have read more books than normal (which is saying a lot) this year. I could go on. My point to myself is that I have multiple things to be grateful for.

This year has afforded me the opportunity to be on the internet more than normal. I have read and listened to many people’s blogs and podcasts about gratitude practices. Many recommend writing down a certain number of things you are grateful for at the end of the day or first thing in the morning. I am a night-shift nurse. This doesn’t necessarily work for me. I have come to the conclusion that one should have a gratitude practice. Without gratitude how can you find joy? How can you even notice goodness or do good if you don’t appreciate it?

A gratitude practice does not need to be in the morning, writing down 5 things you are thankful for. Your gratitude practice should be in your heart. What is in our hearts is what gets manifested in our lives, work, relationships, etc. That is sincere thankfulness.

The other night at work, I was Charge Nurse on an extremely hectic Covid shift (let’s face it, they all are at this point); I answered a little old lady’s call light. I wasn’t her nurse, so she hadn’t set eyes on me before. She looked me in the eyes, then at my badge, and said “Joanna, thank you so much for answering my call light. I need to pee.” Do you know how happy I was to take that dear old soul to the bathroom? It was my pleasure. She went on to thank me numerous times and use my name as we conversed. What a pleasant experience for me. I was just doing my job and she was so thankful for it. It sticks in my memory because it was rare. When was the last time I showed gratitude for someone to that someone?

Yes, 2020 has made it harder for some to find things to be thankful for. We are in a storm like none other; but we still have paddles, we are still in the boat. May we be able to find things to give thanks for outside of the boat and storm if possible. If not possible be thankful for the dang boat. Be thankful for the teammembers/family/friends in that dang boat with you.