| Written by Joel Walton, LMFT As Thanksgiving approaches, it can service as a time of reflection and gratitude for all we have. However, for many, it’s a big stressor and can highlight many of life’s challenges; making finding gratitude, difficult at best. We get it and we’re here to help – Bayside Counseling has a wide range of clinical professionals standing by to help and assist you, from a cultural Christian perspective, regardless of your struggle. You can find help here: Bayside Counseling Center From a mental health perspective, gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion, or a practice limited to special occasions and good feelings; it is a powerful tool that can shift our mindset, improve our well-being, and displace negative feelings such as anger, bitterness, and sadness. Every person, at some point, is confronted with hardship. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, financial struggles, broken relationships, or personal failures, these difficult moments present us with two clear choices: we can either become bitter, or we can become grateful. Bitterness is a natural reaction to pain and disappointment. It can feel justified when we face situations that seem unfair. However, bitterness keeps us trapped, focusing on what is wrong and leaving little room for healing. On the other hand, gratitude offers a way out, a path forward that allows us to focus on what is still good, despite our difficulties. Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring or minimizing the pain we experience. Instead, it acknowledges that even within hardship, there are things to be thankful for. It shifts our attention away from what we’ve lost to what remains. It also helps us connect with others on a much deeper level as we relate to their struggles. By practicing gratitude, we can reclaim power over our emotions. Research shows that those who regularly practice gratitude experience lower levels of depression, stress, and anxiety. It creates a mental buffer, providing us with emotional resilience to face adversity. When we are grateful, we open ourselves up to a more hopeful and positive mindset. This doesn’t happen overnight, but as we intentionally choose gratitude, we cultivate the ability to look at life through a lens of abundance rather than scarcity. One practical way to do this is by keeping a gratitude journal, listing things—no matter how small—that we appreciate. Over time, this practice helps displace negative emotions and invites a deeper sense of contentment. So, for this Thanksgiving season, we hope you can rethink how you can pursue gratitude in your life. See if it doesn’t indeed help you reframe your perspective and lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life. |
Joel Walton
Clinical Supervisor
Joel has completed his counseling training at Bayside and currently runs a private practice out of Fair Oaks , CA. His graduate education was completed in both Marriage and Family Counseling as well as Biblical Counseling. Joel’s passion is working with couples to find healing in their marriage.