THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS: Change your story – just for one day!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I’ve noticed that, as this holiday approaches, people seem to fall into one of three groups. Which group speaks to you?

Most obvious to most of us are those who eagerly look forward to getting together with family and friends. These are the folks who are so excited about that yearly tradition of feast, familiar people and rituals of the day. Just listen to media commentators in the week leading up to that festive day. The excitement is contagious, and one could almost imagine that everyone feels that same eager anticipation!

Then there are those who mostly enjoy, and sometimes tolerate, the holiday. It’s fun to get together with others, but there’s also some stress involved. Maybe family is distant or relationships aren’t so hot these days. Or, perhaps the approach of each Thanksgiving celebration also brings with it some anxiety. Where will I go? Who should I invite? Is there too much meaning attached to this day for my comfort?

And, sadly, there are some people who dread this day and the feelings it brings up. Holidays have that effect on more people than you might think. Just the idea of going home again, having to cope with that same old conflict or distance can be a reminder of feelings perhaps best forgotten.

But, these groups may be more alike than you’d think. Sometimes, all it takes to change groups is to change the story you tell yourself. Instead of reminding yourself of the old hurts and pains, you may want to come up with a way to stop yourself as you enter that self-critical space. Then, substitute a different story. List (on paper or mentally) all the positive things that, just for today, you can give thanks for. Repeat as needed when that other story intrudes.

And, just for today, resolve to smile as much as you can, even if you don’t really mean it! Research has shown that moods can be elevated, just by the act of turning up the corners of your mouth! Try it and see if it works for you. You have nothing to lose and lots to win, if you can help yourself to feel even a little bit better.

Changing your story and smiling………. just try it out! You might just find your mood lifted and your anger, anxiety or stress lowered enough so that you can enjoy that Thanksgiving meal.