Thanksgiving is just around the corner and with it marks the beginning of another major holiday season.  Turkey Day melds into Black Friday sales, holiday rush, parties, and a hoopla of wonderful activities.

But the holiday season is also rife with stress and anxiety, which can lead to depression and other nasty side effects.  What can you do to ward off these unpleasant events?  Develop an attitude of gratitude.

That’s right.  According to Linda Osterlund Ph.D., LMFT, president of the Colorado Counseling Association  and associate dean and associate professor at Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, things like shorter days, colder weather, and the semi-annual time change can play against you at this time of the year, and its important to be ready to address your issues.

“We gather with family and friends, which is great,” said Dr. Osterlund, “but sometimes interacting with family members creates unachievable expectations.  Things like ‘you should’ or ‘you ought’ establish a level of stress that’s unhealthy.” Dr. Osterlund recommends that one of the best ways to combat this is to take stock and focus on all you have, instead of what is missing in your relationships and your life.

“Take a walk outside if you can,” said Dr. Osterlund.  “The fresh air and quiet time really is helpful.  Look around and be appreciative of nature.  What we have in Colorado in terms of nature may change over time, but it really can’t be taken from us.”

When you’ve had a chance to meditate on all the good in your life, Dr. Osterlund suggests extending the feeling by taking action.  She recommended reading Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages for exploring ways to express love and gratitude to the people important to you.  In this book you can find five major “love languages,” or ways that express gratitude and love:

• Physical love, and touch
• Words of Affirmation
• Acts of service or kindness
• Your gift of time
• Small gifts that you purchase or make

“You’ll know your own special love language by what you do for others,” said Dr. Osterlund.  “And you can learn what others like by observing them and their ways of giving.”

So what are some of the ways you can express gratitude this Thanksgiving season and develop a positive attitude for the entire holiday season?  Here are some ideas we’ve come up with:

• Take time for your quiet thoughts.  Maybe sit out on your deck and ruminate on all the good in your life, the loving family and friends you have, even your good luck.  Dig into your heart and find an honest, grateful thought.
• Write personal notes of gratitude for the friendships and love you share with those coming for Thanksgiving dinner.  Put the note on each person’s place for them to read when they feel like it.
• Buy a small Thanksgiving gift for the little people on your guest list. Maybe buy a new apron for the day’s chef.  Keep it small so there is no obligation implied.
• Be sure to hug your guests and verbally thank them for coming to your home and sharing this wonderful holiday with you.
• Decorate your table with items from your home or yard that celebrate autumn and show your creativeness.
• And remember, the dishes can be done tomorrow. Today is the day you share with your loved ones.

Do you have any special ways you like to celebrate Thanksgiving and express loving gratitude?  We’d be happy to hear from you.

Special Thanksgiving Note from Steve Sparhawk – I am truly grateful for the wonderful clients in my life, for my superb staff who help make everyone’s Outdoor Living experiences special, and my exceptional family.  At this time of year, I like to remember all and say with complete sincerity, thank you.

(Photo by Woodley Wonder Works)