How to Be Thankful the Right Way

Okay, you caught me. There is, of course, no right way to be thankful. There is, however, a way to jump-start the thankful feelings when you aren’t really feeling the joy of the season. Not everyone is into the holidays (for varied reasons), and that’s okay.

(Check out this Year of Thanks project a former AWN experience blogger put together. One thing for every day of the year!)

If you’re in need of hopping on the gratitude train, here’s how you can start:

1. Start small.

Seriously. If you get stuck at one of those Thanksgiving gatherings and everyone is supposed to say something they’re thankful for, go small. Go simple. I’m thankful for mashed potatoes. I’m thankful for shoes. I’m thankful that I have friends that can get me to leave the house. Whatever it is, just throw it out there. No one will judge.

2. Go big.

Really, really, big. I’m thankful for the universe, the earth, America.

3. Something easy.

I’m thankful for all of you (trust me, this one is a winner; everyone likes to feel special).

4. Something obvious.

I’m thankful for my family. My children. My dog. My health.

5. Try quirky.

I’m thankful for purple monster socks, because they’re cool.

6. Thank someone.

I want to thank my new neighbors, who always make me welcome in their home, and who feed me.

Here’s what it boils down to, plain and simple. I know that it’s not always easy to feel it—feel the season. Thanksgiving marks the start of a season of joy for many people, and not so much for others. So here are my personal “thankfuls.”

I am thankful for:

• My Army Wife Network Team: They keep me laughing, thinking, discussing, and helping. Seriously the best job I’ve ever had, in so many ways, even if it’s a volunteer one.
• My husband and dogs: Because, yeah, they’re awesome.
• My bestie, Jennifer: Because everyone needs someone in their lives with whom they can share anything and everything and still crack up at the most inappropriate times (and yes, that was me in the recovery room after her colonoscopy cracking cancer jokes at her…because cancer sucks, but cancer patients certainly don’t).
• The Veteran’s Administration: Yeah, we all know the VA has a lot of work to do, but I have to tell you, when they do come through, they sometimes do amazing things. They certainly have for me.
• My camera: Not because it’s all cool and gadgety (though that’s neat, too) but because it gives me another voice.
• Our AWN readers: Y’all have absolutely no idea what you bring to our lives. It’s a true gift.

If you stop to think about it, it’s not as hard as it seems to be thankful. It’s pretty easy when it comes down to it.

If you or someone you know needs support or someone to reach out to this holiday season, resources are there for you. Try:

• Military One Source has a toll-free, confidential phone counseling line at 800-342-9647
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 800-273-8255
• The Real Warriors Campaign has resources for Active Duty, Veterans, National Guard & Reserve, and families.
• The Veterans Crisis Line has so many resources for veterans and their families and can be reached at 800-273-8255, then press 1.