A Simple Way to Feel Thankful

The Thanksgiving holiday is coming up. A time to be thankful for all that we have and all the relationships that fill our lives.

Last year during this time of year there was a lot of turmoil and change in my extended family. A lot of breaking and putting back together in new and different configurations. It was a confusing time. It was a sad time.

You may be in a season where you feel things breaking and you’re surrounded by fragments.

You may be thinking, “there’s a whole to complain about this year, not much to be thankful for.”

If you’re in that place, I want to acknowledge you. As much as holidays are painted as warm, loving occasions, there is often a lot of pain that is under the surface. There is often a lot of longing that is not recognized.

This is a simple exercise that acknowledges both longing and gratitude for the things we want in our lives.

A New Twist on Your “I Want” List

I mentioned Brooke Castillo’s podcast “The Life Coach School” in my November Intentions post. If you haven’t heard of this podcast, you should give it a listen (but start from the first episode – it will make more sense that way).

I can’t remember which episode it is, but in one of the podcasts, she talks about writing down 25 things that you want. The twist is that the first ten items should list things that you want, but already have.

When I heard her describe this exercise, I smiled, and thought, “Of course.”

We tend to focus on things that we want but DON’T HAVE. We forget about the things that we ALREADY HAVE and definitely want to keep.

You may think writing an I want list is contrary to the spirit of Thanksgiving. Here's why… Click To Tweet

Some Examples of Things We Already Have AND Want to Keep

I did this exercise recently and here are some examples of things I want (but already have):

I want my sons to be healthy.
I want my sons to be in safe, educational settings for schools.
I want a house that keeps our family safe and warm.
I want to be healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually.
I want loving relationships in my family.

Writing down the things that I want and already have, helps me to be grateful and feel abundance right where I am in my current situation.

Here's a simple exercise that recognizes gratitude and longing this Holiday season Click To Tweet

The Rest of the “I Want” List

Of course the rest of the 15 items on the “I Want” list are things that we want but don’t have yet. Instead of stirring up feelings of lack, it can be an exercise of focus and ambition. Listing out 10 things first that we already have, changes the lens with which I write the rest of the “I want” list.

I encourage you try it this week. Write an “I want” list of 25 things, but the first 10 things have to be things that you want but already have.