There are a lot of people who love Oscar the Grouch. They love him because he is honest and doesn’t mince words. You always know what you’re gonna get from Oscar. In almost every poll of Sesame Street characters, Oscar is always in the top four.
But in our real lives we sometimes mistake grouchiness for ungratefulness. We think that the curmudgeons we know aren’t thankful for what they have simply because they aren’t chipper and cheery people. Just because someone wears a smile doesn’t mean they acknowledge or appreciate the good in their lives.
Gratefulness doesn’t really have anything to do with whether a person is friendly or grouchy, whether they enjoy being around other people, or whether they prefer their own company right inside their very own garbage can.
In some ways, Oscar the Grouch is the most grateful character because he adores something that other people consider garbage, and yet he is ever so thankful for it.
Most of us have much more than Oscar and don’t take the time we should to acknowledge all we have.
Having recently celebrated Thanksgiving and now in the busy season of the winter holidays, we might not be focused on all we have to be grateful for. Sometimes the shopping and Christmas lists only bring to mind the things we wish we had, all that our hearts desire. If there is some extremely popular item that our kids want for the holidays, we may be stressing out at the prospect of not being able to get them this toy or gadget.
So, how can we incorporate more gratitude beyond the November holiday season and in the midst of rampant consumer spending.
- Pay attention to the things you use every day, like the glasses on your face or the tap water you turn on over and over. When you notice these things, acknowledge your gratitude for them.
- Look back at old photos of vacations or family celebrations. Remember these times and the opportunities they presented. Feel grateful.
- Take time to stretch your body and notice each part, especially the ones that don’t hurt or the ones you don’t even notice you have until they begin to hurt. Give thanks for these.