An Opportunity to Be Thankful

So it is almost the Thanksgiving holiday in America, not something that is celebrated here in the UK, but I do think it is the perfect opportunity for us all to spend some time and reflect upon what we are thankful for.

Quite often we get stuck in a cycle of wanting and desiring something, only to achieve that and then it still does not quite hit the spot and we want more. Competing to fulfil the status that owning more, means we are better or happier. One-upmanship over our acquaintances or friends; and the opportunity to show off that new 50” inch television; but then actually not truly enjoying what we have. Because a few months later there’s a 55” inch whatever definition version that’s better than the one you just bought.

What about if we could be thankful for what we have got, and actually take enjoyment and pleasure from it? Don’t get me wrong, I love technology (when I understand it!), and brand names and little luxuries do make me feel good, but not in the same way that some of the true things in my life make me happy.

These things can be different for each and every one of us, and become invaluable to you when you are true to your own core values. So take a moment, and be really honest with yourself about what truly matters in your life. What really makes a difference about how you live, and what you are thankful for?

I am thankful for…getting to live here in Enham Alamein. This is not a place many would have heard of, and for lots of people it might actually sound terrible, but for me, its home and I love it here. Enham is a small village, in the Hampshire countryside. There is a shop, post office and charity shop. It isn’t that far from bigger towns, Andover, Newbury, Salisbury and Winchester are all accessible in between 10 to 30 minutes, but that for some people is way too far. For me living in a big town or city is not fun. I’m thankful I get to hear the owls at night instead of clubbers and sirens.

I’m thankful I get to do a job that I love. I get to spend my days working with people that I learn from, that inspire me. I get to research, educate myself and understand topics that mean something to me and actually make a difference to others. I cannot put a value on the feeling I get when someone emails after therapy to say what a difference hypnotherapy has made in their lives.

I’m thankful that I got to experience so many crappy situations in my life, because without them, I wouldn’t be able to hold what really matters to me. Dark times shape and moulded the person that I have become. I am so happy I no longer suffer in that way, but without that I wouldn’t have the understanding, respect or attitudes towards depression and mental health that I do now. So I’m thankful I made it out the other side to continue my journey in a better way, it has given me more purpose.

There are lots of other things that I am thankful for, but you would be bored to read that, they are irrelevant to you. But these are examples of what you can do. Set some time aside and think about what you are grateful that you have, or have experienced. I’m sure you will end up feeling rather lovely and warm inside when you realise just how much you do have.