Gratitude on Thanksgiving
PSA: Sorry, this post is not about home decor. It’s personal, but it is an important part of my journey in starting Nestia as well as a reminder to think of all those who are not as fortunate this holiday season.
Last week, I was interview by Kendra Swalls on her Girl Means Business podcast— listen here! We talked all about having a gratitude mindset, and I opened up about how this mindset has changed my outlook and helped me in the successful launch of Nestia.
This year has been filled with so many stressful moments, it almost feels hard to sit down on Thanksgiving day to discuss all the things we’re grateful for. Last year, I remember my list being “my exciting and successful job in events, my vibrant social life in NYC, workout classes that keep me healthy, and a year filled with travel to multiple countries including Morocco, Spain, and Mexico.” As we look back at those 2019 lists, we think of all the things that have been taken from us… for me it was my job, my social life, my daily workout routine, and the ability to travel. So many of the things I love that made me happy last year vanished into thin air in 2020.
This morning, I walked upstairs and my family was puttering around the kitchen, chatting. My dad said, “You know, I read that food banks all over the country are experiencing shortages. We should really call ours tomorrow to see what they need.” And without hesitation I started to sob. Thinking about how this year has been, and its effect on the communities around the world has resulted in job loss, which has resulted in poverty, and now hunger. Thinking about people showing up to a food bank for help and being turned away because they have nothing left was a devastating thought. It reminded me so quickly how lucky I am.
I have food. I have a roof over my head. I have a loving family. I couldn’t stop crying thinking about this, and feeling so helpless. Today I am donating to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, specifically helping to stock food banks around the country. If you’re able, please consider donating here or to your local food bank.
After this morning’s humbling reminder of all that I do have, I wrote in my journals about the simple things I’m so grateful for. Somehow, I’ve found so much happiness this year. I’ve forged a new career path for myself. I’ve gotten closer to the few friends I spend time with in NYC as well as spent more time with my family than I have since I went to college 10 years ago. I found joy in exercising at the park, ultimately leading to more time I’ve spent outdoors than I have in so many years. Without travel, I have learned to explore and spend time in New York City, one of the best places on Earth that I am so lucky to call home.
Don’t get me wrong. I had many low moments of depression and anxiety, like everyone else, when I felt my life change in such significant ways. But I attribute so much of my means to overcome those low points by my new found practice in gratitude. Only a few months ago, when I felt I was hitting my lowest point, I started to write in a journal to get my thoughts out when I couldn’t sleep. I eventually discovered The Five Minute Journal late in September, and it became a game changer for how I practice gratitude daily. Starting in the morning I list 3 items I’m grateful for, 3 things to make this day great, and my daily affirmations. Before bed, I list 3 great things that happened during the day and write out how I could have made the day better.
Since I started this practice, I have continued to be busy with with work, providing financial stability that I was so worried about when I was laid off. I have continued to stay healthy. I have continued to enjoy my time outside. I’m not naive in thinking that any person can just write in a gratitude journal and suddenly they won’t be hungry anymore- I am already blessed with so much to begin with. But this daily reminder that I have everything I need has helped pave my own journey through this difficult time, and has better prepared me to help others who really need it.
Please remind yourself of all those things you are so very lucky to have and do what you can to help those who are not as fortunate. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Stay safe, healthy, and grateful!