8 Ways to Stay Thankful in Hard Times

By Rabbi Brad Hirschfield

Being thankful is especially valuable in challenging times. Gratitude is actually medically proven to lift our spirits and improve our health. This Thanksgiving, discover how a little gratitude can create a lot of happiness in our lives by following these eight simple steps. They are not difficult and they yield amazing results.

1. Find What You're Grateful For

The real uncertainty we face about our economic future can make us quite fearful and sad. Locating those things for which we can still be grateful, brings joy even in the face of those challenges without pretending they are not real.

2. Articulate It

Tell a friend or loved one a story about something for which you are grateful. Don’t be surprised to find yourself smiling by the end of that story.

3. There's Always More to Be Grateful For

Consider the difference between wealth and value. While material wealth is important, it is not the only source of real value in our lives. We can all celebrate value, even when the material wealth in our lives is taking a beating.

4. Wealth Begins Within

An ancient rabbinic teaching reminds us that we are wealthy when we are happy with what we possess.

5. Happiness and Satisfaction Are Different

We can want more than we currently have and still be happy with what we've got. Wanting more does not have to get in the way of enjoying what we already have. If it does, we will never have enough.

6. It's All Relative

A person who lives in a $100,000 house in a neighborhood of $75,000 homes experiences living in a mansion. The same house in a neighborhood of $500,000 homes may feel like a hovel.

7. Help Yourself by Helping Others

The holidays are a great time to reach out to other people in need. And helping others address their needs is one of the best ways to relieve the anxiety we may feel about our own.

8. We All Have Something to Give

No matter how difficult our circumstances may be, we can all offer support to those around us. Whether it’s a penny, a dollar, or much more, the act of giving always makes us feel as if we have more than we thought we had.

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