Why You Should Be Thankful in 2020

When 2020 began, nobody could’ve predicted what kind of year it would be. With so many ups and downs and twists and turns, this year has felt more like a roller coaster than anything else.

With Thanksgiving almost here, 2020 has presented new challenges for many people about how to stay thankful during hardships. If you’re struggling to find things to be grateful for this year, try some of these steps.

Remember Everyone Has Reasons to Be Thankful

If your 2020 has been difficult, it’s easy to convince yourself you don’t have anything to be thankful for. The truth is everyone can be thankful for something. Even if you have to dig a little further to find your reasons, they’re still there for you to discover and appreciate.

Stop Comparing

Most people can probably think of a few things to be thankful for, but that’s often where the gratefulness stops before comparison creeps in. Comparing your situations to others’ will eventually result in bitterness and strife.

Teddy Roosevelt dubbed comparison the “thief of joy.” And if you haven’t noticed, it’s a little hard to be thankful when you’re not joyful! Don’t compare your money, relationships, work, health, possessions, or anything else to what others have. It will only steal your ability to be thankful.

Know You Are Unique

Comparison is also dangerous because it causes you to forget your uniqueness. Nobody else has the same life or situation you do because nobody else is you. Even your hardships are unique from anyone else. That means every person has unique reasons to be thankful no one else has. If you look hard enough, you’ll find them.

Believe Thankfulness Is Good for You

Research shows people who live more grateful lives are healthier. A happy person who’s thankful for what’s been given to them will live a longer, more fulfilling life. A thankful person won’t be as bogged down by stress, anxiety, or greed.

Realize Thankfulness Is a Choice

If you want to live a happier, longer life, the regular practice of thankfulness is an important one. We can all agree gratitude sometimes happens on its own. But most of the time – especially in a year like 2020 – staying thankful is a battle. Some days you’ll have to fight that battle harder than others, but the truth is thankfulness is a choice, a decision you have the power to make.

No matter what you’re facing in 2020, you can choose to be thankful today – and the next day, and the next day after that. Grab a pen and paper and write down five things you’re grateful for. Then five more. And five more after that. Keep going until you feel lighter and more joyful. You’ll be thankful you did. 😊

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