Practicing Gratitude This Thanksgiving

The last several weeks have been extremely busy due to recovery efforts from Hurricane Florence. Bald Head Island, along with so many other locations in Eastern North and South Carolina, were significantly impacted by this storm. We had to suspend operations for several weeks and are finally getting back to some sense of normal.  

The entire team would like to thank all the people and businesses involved with the preparation for and clean up efforts related to Hurricane Florence.  Everyone from BHI Village Officials, Duke Energy, Brunswick County, FEMA, property owners, contractors, BHI employees, BHI business owners, volunteers and many more have provided needed services during this challenging time.

Thanksgiving is a perfect time to express our gratitude. Here are some ways to practice gratitude no matter what time of year it is. 

Write in a gratitude journal while sitting in nature. 
There are so many places on Bald Head Island where you can walk, feel connected to nature, take out your journal and begin to write. Groundbreaking studies from UC Berkeley have suggested that people who regularly journal about things that they are grateful for experience stronger immune systems and more positive emotions. 

Practice mindfulness. 
According to mindful.org, “mindfulness is the ability to being fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing…” One of the best ways to practice mindfulness is with meditation.  Whether you want to meditate while on the deck of your vacation home or during a yoga class offered by Island Retreat Spa and Salon, you are sure to leave the experience feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. 

Be consistent with expressing your gratitude. 
A Ted Talk that has been viewed over 5 million times deals with this very topic.  David Steindl-Rast, founder of A Network for Grateful Living has recommended three steps to feeling grateful immediately.  He says first, stop and shift your awareness to the present moment. Then, think about something you’re grateful for in the present moment.  Finally, go and share those positive feelings with others.  

Acknowledge a kind gesture. 
Life can be hectic between working, planning for upcoming events and managing a household.  Taking time out to give a thank you to someone who has done something nice for you is a great way to make their day and yours.

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, great food and memorable times with family and friends.  

Published on Wednesday, November 14, 2018