The Thanks Whisperers

The Thanks Whisperers

Paul Peavy, MS. LMHC

We have become a nation of Thanks Whisperers. While we may shout and yell about everything else like sports and politics and smartphones, we only like to whisper an after thought of thanks.

I think it is interesting that people say that poor people in our country somehow feel entitled to food stamps and healthcare, yet it seems to me I’ve seen a lot of middle and upper classed kids who feel “entitled” to their Starbucks, designer clothes, and a car. This is not a statement trying to evoke class warfare. I think we all take so much for granted in America that we truly have lost touch with being grateful for the basics.

I am not the inventor of the irony that we will pause on Thanksgiving for “ALL THESE MANY BLESSINGS!” and then get up at 4:00 am to create a capitalism stampede for what we want the next morning on Black Friday. Heck, sometimes we can’t wait until Friday and now have the stores opening Thanksgiving afternoon.

If one were so inclined how would one go from being a Thanks Whisperer to a Thanks Liver? 

(Not thestinky iron rich meat but a person who lives gratefully.)

1. Take inventory. Notice what you really do have. Start at, “Do I have food and shelter?” “Am I safe?” Write these things down and you may be shocked by what all you do have.

2. Live gratefully. Be grateful to your cab driver, barista, secretary, or waitress. Say “Thank you” to people when they provide you service. ASK ABOUT THEIR LIVES! Learn something about these other people and then follow up with them each time you see them.

3. Sit on it. Meditating or praying about what you are thankful for can indeed reset your mindset.

4. Laugh. Laughter is the ultimate sign that you have what you appreciate what you have.

5. Be with friends and family and don’t turn it into a whine festival. Too much time spent with friends and family. If that time usually turns into a negatifestival do something to break the cycle. Play a board game, go to a movie, do something to start a positive cycle.

Happy Thanksliving!