Expressing an Attitude of Thankfulness This Holiday

When I pray, I like to start by thanking God for all of the blessings he has bestowed on me. It reminds me of how much I have to be thankful for. We often forget to thank God, our friends, and our families, yet I think it’s important to express our appreciation.

I know that I wouldn’t be here without the support of everyone around me. Saying thank you is meaningful, but so is having an attitude of thankfulness.

What is an attitude of thankfulness?

An attitude of thankfulness is more than a small action that shows gratitude — it’s a way of life. This attitude informs how you interact with those around you. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and as the holiday approaches, I can sense a change in perspective as people realize how fortunate they are.

A guest pastor at my church recently preached a message he called the “Sacrifice of Thanksgiving.” What he said about expressing gratitude helps to define what I mean by an attitude of thankfulness.

He referenced the biblical miracle of the 10 lepers (Luke 17:11-19), in which only one of them came back to thank Jesus for healing them. That single leper exhibited the best way to approach life from an attitude of thankfulness in thought, deed, word, and value.

Having an attitude of thankfulness is not simply saying, “Thank you.” It’s part of an entire perspective that cannot exist alone.

How do I practice thankfulness?

I wouldn’t wish Duchenne muscular dystrophy on anyone I love, yet I deal with this disease every day. I could resent many people given my circumstances, but instead, I have chosen to operate with an attitude of thankfulness.

When I count my blessings — supportive parents, the beautiful place I live, financial sustainability — it makes it harder for Duchenne to take a large, negative chunk out of my positive attitude.

See the silver lining

I wouldn’t have formed friendships with young men who have Duchenne or inspired hundreds of people through the advocacy organization CureDuchenne if I didn’t have this disease to begin with. In my situation, practicing an attitude of thankfulness means finding the silver lining and allowing the positives to outweigh the negatives.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to go above and beyond what others expect and to express your gratitude to someone who matters to you. Be thankful for your situation and reach out a helping hand to strangers in your community. That’s what a genuine attitude of thankfulness looks like.

***

Note: Muscular Dystrophy News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Muscular Dystrophy News or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to muscular dystrophy.