The tradition of Thanksgiving can be traced back to 1578. But it’s a tradition that with a simple twist can change your life (and your business).
The first European Thanksgiving celebration in North America took place in Newfoundland when English explorer Martin Frobisher landed there in 1578 in his quest for the Northwest Passage. He gave thanks for surviving the harsh Atlantic voyage from England.
In Canada, its Thanksgiving Day weekend. Today and tomorrow, we will sit with family and friends enjoy turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie. But its about more than that…
On the Canadian prairies, we can pretty much trace our roots back to a farm, and many of us have friends who are still farmers. Long ago, before the first Europeans arrived in North America, the farmers in Europe held celebrations at harvest time. To give thanks for their good fortune and the abundance of food. When they came to Canada they brought this tradition with them.
In the traditional sense of this celebration, being grateful was an appropriate term. There are highs and lows in farming, most of this work is out of our control. As the farmers bring the crops in across Canada this weekend, they can not control the weather. It has already snowed, and in my area, rains continue to hamper the harvest. From a traditional point of view, Thanksgiving was about being thankful (or grateful) for a good harvest. For surviving the obstacles.
Be More than Grateful
When I initially starting writing this post, it was going to be about Thanksgiving, and the act of being thankful or grateful.
As a writer I’m always curious about the history of words.
grat·i·tude ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/
noun
1. the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
But as I researched the history of gratitude I came upon a twist that can really make a difference…
For example, when we say “I’m grateful”, the reference is usually to something we have overcome, an obstacle in life.
I’m grateful for surviving cancer. I’m glad that task is over. I’m grateful for the support.
For the farmer, he is grateful for a good harvest, for good weather. And if you have ever travelled in my part of Canada, you will understand the obstacles a farmer has overcome – too much rain, not enough rain, not enough sun, snow in September. All these factors affect the harvest.
While each of these phases is positive, there is still a negative connotation with each. There is that hurdle that was surpassed. Words are powerful and have a strong impact on us. Think back to a time when someone said something mean to you. Those words can haunt you; you tend to replay them over and over in your mind. The reverse is just as true – positive words from a friend or even a stranger can lift you.
Let’s take this notion of the power of words one step further by replacing gratitude with a word that doesn’t have the negative connotation.
ap·pre·ci·a·tion əˌprēSHēˈāSH(ə)n/
noun
1. the recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something.
“I smiled in appreciation.”
When we use the word appreciation, it doesn’t have the same connection to an obstacle. We use it to express our feelings about good quality in something or someone. That lack of negative association adds to the vibrational energy of “giving thanks”.
My favorite writer Ester Hicks explains the difference between the vibrational energy of gratitude and appreciation in this video.
So when we sit down to Thanksgiving Dinner, rather than giving thanks or being grateful, let’s raise the vibrational energy and say what we appreciate – both in our lives, and in each other. It’s a powerful way to bring positive energy into your life (and your business).
- Make a list of five things you appreciate.
- Reflect on your list and allow yourself to feel good about these things.
- Send an email, written card, or phone someone and tell them how you appreciate them or an activity they have done.
I appreciate the people in my life who have supported me, pushed me and called me out when I didn’t see the truth (or didn’t want to see it). You have helped me grow as a spiritual person, and entrepreneur.
I also appreciate what the future will bring – new learnings, people, mastermind groups (and thousands of other items I can’t even imagine).
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day weekend. I appreciate you reading until the end of this post 🙂
