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Choosing gratitude can be hard. Here's what helps me.

Nicole Russell   Paste BN

It’s Thanksgiving Day: How are you feeling? Grateful? Worried if the turkey will be cooked on time?  

In our family, we have a traditional feast, although this year I’m adding red wine braised short ribs to our menu. (I don’t actually love turkey.) I make my great grandmother’s pumpkin pie and this apple galette, and we usually go around the table to say what we’re thankful for. For me, it’s my kids, of course! 

On a holiday that is uniquely American, I have much to be thankful for – the freedom this country offers, especially.  

It’s easy to forget why we have a day dedicated to Thanksgiving. Puritans, in search of religious freedom, sacrificed everything, came to America, battled the harsh winters and scraped up enough food – thanks to the help of Native Americans – to enjoy a feast. They were grateful for a new life in a new land. 

Thanksgiving in 2024 won’t be nearly that hard in comparison, but it still might feel difficult for many. The high price of food, and other expenses driven up by inflation, has made for hard financial times for many families. Nearly 40% of Americans say they worry about paying their bills.  

I know of multiple families struggling with severe health issues. Their world has narrowed to hospital visits and consultations with doctors.  

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As a kid, Thanksgiving Day was full of glorious helpings of mashed potatoes and afternoon football, but in adulthood, it’s clear to me that life is full of joy and pain simultaneously. Good times and bad, suffering and gratitude.  

Thanksgiving is utilitarian: The nature of the word, the definition of the day, beckons us to act. To be grateful.  

That is hard to do, especially if times are tough.  

Being grateful is the last thing I want to do when I’m struggling or when I see a friend or family member suffering with illness, financial problems or other issues.  

But gratitude is what keeps us from being swallowed up by our problems. It’s hard to worry when we’re writing a list of what we’re thankful for. 

Gratitude is the antidote to anxiety and pain. The Puritans somehow knew that.  

What are you grateful for? Let me know at nrussell@gannett.com. And have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

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