Creating a Gratitude Pumpkin; An Innovative Approach To Celebrating The Season W hile Practicing a Little Gratitude by Jenna Drennen
2020 has been challenging. The global pandemic and social discourse pervading all aspects of everyday life left parents and kids alike consumed with fear and anxiety. For those of us struggling with stress and uncertainty, acknowledging or fostering thoughts of gratitude can seem difficult or even absurd. As we face adversity, it feels natural and even necessary to fixate on the negative as a means of overcoming the obstacles we encounter, but in times of crisis, taking time to give thanks goes a long way. Allowing for gratitude in our everyday lives does not necessitate turning a blind eye to negative feelings or difficult situations. Instead, it allows us to better cope with distress by not losing sight of the good, which increases our optimism and ability to stay grounded. Researchers have identified physical, emotional, social, and moral benefits of practicing gratitude. Whether it be keeping a daily gratitude journal or integrating gratitude rituals into daily life, these exercises have been shown to improve
well-being, increase resilience, strengthen social relationships, and reduce stress and depression. When the practice becomes rote, it inevitably increases generosity, compassion, and a greater capacity for joy. Studies suggest habitually practicing gratitude can even contribute to a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, and improved sleep. As I struggled to find novel and creative ways to encourage my own family to practice gratitude, we began to establish a fun family tradition kick-starting the fall season each year. Our annual gratitude pumpkin allows us to take a mindful moment to thoughtfully document all that we are grateful for while having a little fun in the process. To inspire and encourage my family to consciously focus on 16
