Many people already associate the month of November with gratitude due to Thanksgiving. In addition to having Thanksgiving however, November is the month of gratitude. To honor these sentiments, we’ve put together a few ways of practicing gratitude that can positively impact your community. Whether you prefer public or private expressions of gratitude, showing it through actions can uplift those around you as well as yourself.
How to Practice Gratitude
Gratitude Journaling & Card Writing
Oftentimes it can feel awkward to verbally express gratitude, so one way to still share what you’re grateful for this November is to write it down. If you prefer to keep it private or you’re expressing gratitude to yourself, journaling is a great way to remind yourself of all the good in your life. This also lets you keep track and look back on things as you grow and evolve, encouraging you even as things change. If you still want to share your gratitude with others, writing a note or letter expressing how and why you are grateful for them and sending it to them is a lovely practice. It doesn’t have to be long or intense—even something small can show appreciation.
Volunteering in Your Community
Donating your time and kindness to others is a wonderful way of practicing gratitude. If there’s an organization that you’re grateful exists or a program you’re thankful you got to participate in, volunteer with them. Sharing your gratitude with those in your community who positively impacted your life is a great way to give back and show your appreciation. If there isn’t a group that stands out to you, look for general volunteering opportunities near you to support your community this holiday season.
Become a Mentor
Among the potentially less common ways to practice gratitude is to become a mentor. Sharing your outlook, experience, and knowledge with someone younger than you can leave a lasting impact on their life. If you’ve ever had a mentor, you know how valuable it can be to have someone outside of family to go to for advice or just to talk. By becoming a mentor, you can share what things and people you’re grateful for that maybe you didn’t appreciate when you were younger. Encouraging a young person to practice mindful gratitude is a great way to positively impact the people around you.
If you’d like to volunteer or become a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, contact us for more information and sign ups!
Big Brothers Big Sisters encourages you to find ways of practicing gratitude that resonate with you in celebration of National Gratitude Month this November.