I know why I was thinking of gratitude this week; I mean that is what every American should be thinking of the week before Thanksgiving - right?
We get excited about seeing family members who we may have only heard about since last November. Our mouths water at the thought of the food that is served only on this day. We are thankful, but what are we grateful for? What are the favors and benefits that we have received over the year?
Many families include a time of reflecting on what each member is thankful for during the day's feast. But is thankfulness different than gratitude? They are synonyms, but I point out to my students that no two words mean exactly the same thing. I think it has to do with action.
We express thankfulness for things that just are, but gratitude is appreciation for a specific favor or benefit we have received. This is harder then it sounds. Just try saying something other than, "my family" when someone this week asks you what you are grateful for. Dig. Get specific. You will find that you have more to be grateful for than you first thought. Gratitude Journal
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