This year has been a year of growth, a year of learning, a year of failing, a year of succeeding, a year of doing and being and living. Our experiences have been plentiful. Our smiles have been innumerable. Our lessons have been learned. Every single day has been worthy of remembering forever. And for every single day, we should be grateful.
“I think the holiday season is all about sharing love and sharing in that love,” junior Evie Comis said. “Expressing gratitude helps us foster a sense of connection and giving. I think that ‘togetherness’ is the point of the holiday season!”
Every year, when the holidays come around, people take the time to reflect on the things for which they are grateful. Everyone has something to be thankful for, whether it’s loved ones, pets, teachers, a role model, a favorite experience, or more. But sometimes, it can be difficult for us to take the time to recognize what exactly it is that we appreciate in our lives.
“It’s important to slow down and appreciate what’s around you, something we don’t do enough in our busy lives,” senior Nayeli Castrejon-Peralta said.
Although actively expressing gratitude may seem like a chore, it can have numerous benefits on emotional, mental, and physical health. Being thankful can help reduce depression, lower anxiety levels, aid heart health, relieve stress, improve sleeping patterns, and more, according to a study by UCLA Health.
“I think it’s important to feel and express gratitude because it’s a way of focusing on the positive aspects of life,” Nayeli said.
Life is a unique opportunity to grow, learn, and become the best version of yourself. By being grateful for the opportunity, you can live a happier and healthier life. Challenges are prevalent in everyday life, so learning to take the time to think positively and express gratitude is essential. There are many ways you can show how grateful you are.
“I think that there is something really special about putting all your gratitude into written words,” Evie said. “I always love writing cards to my friends because it allows me to express all my appreciation in a tangible way.”
Words are powerful; that is a known fact. Using words and their power for good can be an instrument of success and joy. Through heartfelt conversations, letters of support, journaling feelings, or a to-the-point comment, taking thoughts and turning them into words can help you and mean the world to someone.
Every year, students write notes of gratitude on Post-It’s that get strewn across a wall of lockers in the Senior Quad the week before Thanksgiving break. This is a unique opportunity for the students to take the time to put into words how much they appreciate the important people in their lives and think about the things they are most thankful for.
However, there are many more ways to express thanks. From taking a break to reset to directing your thoughts more positively to giving small or excessively large gifts, the ways to show gratitude are truly innumerable.
“I would say I’m more of a gift-giver sort of person, so I express my gratitude towards others with gifts like food or snacks,” Nayeli said.
By giving gifts, you brighten someone else’s day and yours too. Human psychology suggests that when people take the time to gift others in meaningful ways, they feel that they have done a good deed and, subsequently, are a good person.
“I think expressing gratitude helps us remind ourselves of all the good that surrounds us,” Evie said. “Being able to define what you are grateful for allows you to appreciate all the positive aspects of your life even amidst challenging times.”
Take the time this holiday season to thank the important people in your life. It will not only make the end of your year more joyous and rewarding but will lift up your loved ones’ spirits, too. Gratitude can mean more than you’ll ever know.
