By Nancy Virden (c)2025

Writing in gratitude journals, counting our blessings, and being content with little are practices with long Thanksgiving histories. Each one is effective at helping people cope with stressful situations.

1. Gratitude helps us cope because it focuses us on humility. To experience giving thanks, we have to admit there are some things beyond our control. Acknowledging we are not in charge of everything allows us to receive and show compassion. Most of us thank God, the Highest Power.
2. Gratitude helps us cope because it shows us value. Giving thanks requires that we think about people who have made a positive difference for us. Some made sacrifices for our benefit, others helped a little, and still others didn’t know they were helping. We are freer to see that our contributions, big or small, are of importance.
3. Gratitude helps us cope because we can view others without judgment. This is not simply shrugging and accepting bad behavior, or excusing evil. This is not helping them escape consequences. Nonjudgment means we do not insist on knowing another person’s motives or potential to grow. Of course, we recognize when someone is immature or making poor and selfish choices; no need to deny that. In our humility, we recognize we might be capable of such behaviors if we had their exact same experiences. We can let go of bitterness, which is only hurting us anyway.
4. Gratitude helps us cope because it turns our thoughts. We will look at the dark side of life, then when gratitude is allowed we can see some light. Depending on the intensity and duration of one’s low mood, gratitude may seem like a silly exercise. Do it anyway. If nothing seems positive, look at all the little beauties of life, such as comfy chairs, sunlight, rain is good for crops, etc. If you walked today, thank God for your legs. If you talked today, thank God you have a voice. If you are struggling, be grateful for the light you have.

Gratitude, or giving thanks, isn’t only a holiday habit. It can, of course, ease your pain and mind a little or a lot each day.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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