From Positive Psychology

If you are from North America, then cornucopia, turkey, Pilgrims, and Native Americans may come to mind when you mention the word ‘Thanksgiving.’ Thanksgiving is more broadly explained as a day to give thanks. Countries such as Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Liberia also celebrate Thanksgiving, while countries like Brazil and the Philippines celebrate it unofficially.

The Netherlander town of Leiden and the Australian territory of Norfolk Island also celebrate this holiday. Similarly, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan celebrate a fall harvest, where people also give thanks.

So why is there an entire holiday created for giving thanks?

For many, “Thanksgiving is a collective ritual that celebrates material abundance through feasting.” Thanksgiving is important because it is a designated time assigned to encourage us to pause to be mindful of the blessings we have. Many of us get so caught up in our day-to-day routines that we fail to stop and acknowledge our fortunes.

To demonstrate and celebrate gratitude, you don’t need a particular holiday to show thankfulness. Conveying gratitude should be practiced daily.

How to Show Gratitude and Appreciation

Gratitude can be demonstrated in many ways. It can be shown with merely a simple, verbal “thank you” or it can be indicated by a more elaborate practice.

To improve your gratitude, reflect on how better you can show your appreciation to others. When verbally expressing gratitude to someone, consider reflecting on your emotions and on the effort involved.

What exactly is gratitude, and how can we experience more of it daily?

Gratitude is the act of recognizing and acknowledging the good things that happen, resulting in a state of appreciation.

Often when we consider what we are grateful for, overt and profound life experiences, circumstances, and events come to mind. We may feel grateful for our upbringing, family, job, good health, and the opportunity to gain an education. While recognizing and being grateful for these experiences is important, our gratitude practice must also venture below the surface.

Below the surface, we find the simple, everyday pleasures that often go unnoticed. This may be a great book we read, laughter with a friend, or even the joy of eating ice cream in the sunshine. Whatever these simple pleasures may be, consciously expressing our gratitude for them can help us grow our daily gratitude practice beyond the surface level.

We get so entrenched in the day-to-day routine and focus mostly on the big goals, that we forget to appreciate the little moments that make the most of our days.

Month

• Military Family Appreciation
• National Career Development
• National Homeless Youth Awareness
• National Runaway Prevention
• National Scholarship
• Native American Heritage
• Adoption Awareness

Week

• 12-20- National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness
• 14-18- American Education

Day

• 13- World Kindness
• 16- International Day for Tolerance
• 17- Great American Smokeout
• 17- National Parent Involvement
• 19- Survivor Day-International Survivors of Suicide Loss
• 19- National Adoption Day
• 25- Native American Heritage

November is Military Family Month, and we take this opportunity to appreciate the continuous sacrifices and contributions of our military families. The observance recognizes the challenges family members face in support of their loved ones in uniform. Without their commitment and dedication, it would be impossible for our military to remain organized and focused. They are our patriots who support their family members, while enriching the communities they call home. This month honors the parents and children who stay behind and love their family members on active duty to protect the interests of their nation.

There's a day on the horizon that warms the heart and inspires us all to be a little bit better—World Kindness Day, celebrated every year on November 13. This day is a reminder that in a world where we can be anything, being kind is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

World Kindness Day is a day to pause and reflect on the simple acts of kindness that can transform lives. It's a time when people from all corners of the globe come together to spread positivity, empathy, and compassion. It's not just about grand gestures; it's about the everyday kindness that can make someone's day brighter.

For many, World Kindness Day is a chance to start a ripple effect of goodwill. It's about going out of your way to help a neighbor, offering a smile to a stranger, or lending a listening ear to a friend in need. Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on individuals and communities, reminding us that we're all connected in this journey called life.

IMAGINE A WORLD WHERE YOU CAN SUCCEED BY BEING NICE. WHERE WE ALL PAY IT FORWARD. WHERE PEOPLE LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER. IT ALL STARTS WITH AN ACT.

My mission is to provide and assist families in finding mental health and community resources in our area. I work closely with our guidance counselors and administrators to raise mental health awareness within our schools, provide mental health support to the entire Makos family, and work to remove the stigma that surrounds mental health within our schools. I am excited to share information and resources to ensure our students have the support necessary to be successful.

OBMHS

23908 Canal Rd. Orange Beach, AL 36561

lrogula@orangebeachboe.org

251-201-9975

Mental Health Services - Orange Beach City Schools