Finding Gratitude in the Season of Thanksgiving
As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded that this season is not just about gathering with loved ones over delicious meals, but also about reflecting on the many blessings that enrich our lives. At Jefferson Elementary School, we believe that nurturing a sense of gratitude is more than a seasonal practice; it is an essential life skill that benefits students, parents, and staff alike.
The Power of Gratitude
It is well-documented that thankfulness and gratitude have a profound impact on mental well-being. Gratitude has the power to cancel out feelings of fear and anxiety by shifting our focus from what we lack to what we have. When we pause and acknowledge the positive aspects of our lives, even small moments of joy or acts of kindness, we create an environment that fosters calm, resilience, and happiness.
For our students, practicing gratitude can help them feel more secure, encouraged, and motivated. This mindset can transform their school experience, turning each day into an opportunity to appreciate learning, friendships, and new discoveries. For parents and staff, gratitude can provide a foundation for patience, empathy, and connection during busy or stressful times.
How to Foster Gratitude at School and at Home
1. Start a Gratitude Journal: Encourage your child to write down three things they are thankful for each day. It can be as simple as a sunny day, a favorite story, or a kind word from a friend. This is how I start my day each day. I dedicate the first fifteen minutes of the day to gratitude and reflection.
2. Share Moments of Thanks: Take a moment each day as a family or class to share one thing that made the day special. These conversations build a culture of openness and positivity. At school, these conversations can take place during carpet time or in class circles. At home, these conversations can occur around the dinner table, when tucking kids into bed, or any other time that works for you. When talking to my daughters, I ask them one thing that made today special and one thing they are excited for in the upcoming days.
3. Express Appreciation: Encourage students to express their gratitude to peers, teachers, and family members. A simple "thank you" goes a long way in creating a warm and welcoming environment. These moments of appreciation take just that, a moment. They can mean the difference in brightening someone else’s entire day.
4. Model Gratitude: As parents and staff, demonstrating thankfulness in everyday interactions reinforces the practice for children. Let them see you appreciating life’s moments, both big and small. Today, I was grateful for the first snowflakes of the season. I was grateful for silent contemplation of the wonders that still await this year.
Transforming Challenges with Gratitude
Life is not without challenges, but when we face difficulties with a grateful heart, our outlook can shift from one of worry to one of hope and possibility. By choosing to focus on gratitude, we empower ourselves to find calm amid uncertainty, building emotional strength that supports us through the ups and downs.
We just had members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars at an assembly yesterday. They explained to the students what veterans are and what Veterans Day means. This made me reflect on my personal boot camp experience and service time. It is only through times of uncertainty and discomfort that we truly grow. Body builders don’t build muscle by lifting the same weight the same amount of times each day. They have to constantly push themselves and live with discomfort to grow.
My boot camp experience culminated in an event titled “The Crucible”. This event takes place over 54 hours and involves 48 miles of marching, simulated combat, sleep deprivation, and one and one half meals for the duration of the event. (It has since been softened a bit). The metaphor of a crucible is a powerful visual for me. A crucible is a metallurgical device where metals are melted down so that the impurities may be skimmed from the surface to make a stronger and more pure alloy. This process of breaking down to create strength was the epitome of what boot camp accomplished.
As we draw closer to Thanksgiving, let’s take time to reflect on the ways gratitude enriches our lives and strengthens our community. Whether it’s the joy of a child’s laughter, the dedication of a colleague, or the support of family, we all have reasons to be thankful.
At Jefferson Elementary School, we are grateful for our vibrant community of students, parents, and staff who make this school a place of growth and kindness. Let’s embrace this season of gratitude and carry its spirit beyond the holiday.
Wishing everyone a warm and joyful Thanksgiving filled with moments of thankfulness!