So this habit was formed. And those same struggles seem to magically dissipate when we thank each other for something simple at the end of the day. As this Thanksgiving approaches, it is a special time to come together and celebrate in big ways. With children, you were dying for them to start school so you could get back to work. At work, you were dying to start a family. As much as I wanted to scroll on by, the quip hit a nerve, sounding uncomfortably familiar. (Image credits: Christine Lu) And sometimes they’re surprisingly poignant. This is pretty general, but looking critically at my daily life has also led me to recognize two ways in which I was already practicing everyday gratitude at home:
What are you grateful for? Sometimes they’re funny and set the tone for a playful evening. Appreciated. The gist of it stuck and a few weeks later is still acting as a daily reminder to appreciate each moment for what it is instead of constantly looking forward, beyond the present. It is half of Apartment Therapy. Those struggles escalate when we focus on tearing down instead of building up. By age, we answer this question each day as we sit down to dinner. Today, my household is not spiritual but I was missing that sort of formal coming together of the family and thinking about something outside of ourselves. Having grown up with religious parents, I used to pray before meals. This second habit of gratitude is going to fall on the therapy side of things here at Apartment Therapy. But may the holiday also serve as a reminder to be thankful in regular, old, daily, home life. Now, you’re dying and you realize that your life has passed you by.
