The holiday season is a great time to think about all of the things you’re thankful for in life, especially when you’re going through recovery. It’s also an ideal time to show how thankful you are for those around you who have supported you through recovery. You don’t need a lot of money for presents to show gratitude. There are several other ways for you to give thanks this season.
Show Gratitude to Loved Ones
From a simple smile to a sticky note with a message of love on it, you can let your loved ones know how thankful you are for having them in your life. Cook a special dinner for a family member or friend to show your appreciation, or send them a thank you note in the mail. You can also plan to spend extra time with them, whether that means going to a favorite restaurant or taking a long walk at a local park. Spending time with loved ones or doing something surprising yet special for them helps them understand how much they mean to you. If you usually don’t express these feelings, the holiday season gives you the perfect opportunity to do so.
Help Those in Need
Expressing thanks for what you have also makes you think of those who are still struggling. You can show gratitude while also doing good deeds by helping those in need. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, or donate clothing and other items to homeless shelters or other charities in your area. You can also make a monetary donation to help out. Whether you donate your time, money or material items, you’re making an important difference in the lives of those who need help the most during this holiday season.
Do Random Acts of Kindness
You can show your gratitude for life in general by doing random acts of kindness. In addition to doing nice things for your loved ones, these acts let you brighten up someone else’s day. Knowing that you have the ability to bring a smile to the face of a total stranger can help boost your self-confidence as you work toward sober living. This holiday season, think of small yet powerful ways to show kindness to others, such as buying a cup of coffee for the person in line behind you at a local coffee shop or leaving your waitress a tip that’s a bit more than usual.
Every time you show your gratitude, you take a step toward a more positive life. That positive energy can help encourage you to stay strong in your recovery process. So don’t just show what you are grateful for during the holidays, show it all year round.