READING RESOURCE
REFLECTIONS OF GRADITUDE On Thanksgiving Day
Conversations on Dying, by Phil Dwyer
“The story of the end-of-life experience of a palliative care physician who helped thousands of patients to die well. We all die. Most of us spend the majority of our lives ignoring this uncomfortable truth, but Dr. Larry Librach dedicated his life and his career to helping his patients navigate their final journey. Then, in April 2013, Larry was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.”
Practicing gratitude can be a year-round activity. We don’t need a special day to reflect on what we are grateful for in our lives. However, Thanksgiving does allow us to reflect on our blessings. As we are approaching Thanksgiving Weekend , many of us may enjoy a nice meal and some special time with family and friends. By incorporating gratitude practices into your Thanksgiving celebration, you can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and truly appreciate the blessings in your life. Share Stories : During Thanksgiving dinner, encourage everyone to share stories of gratitude. Ask each person to talk about something they're thankful for from the past year. Sharing these stories can create a sense of togetherness and appreciation. Gratitude Tree or Board : Create a visual display like a gratitude tree or board. Have family members and guests write down what they're grateful for on leaves or cards and hang them up. Watching it fill up can be a powerful reminder of the abundance in your life. Acts of Kindness : As a family or group, plan acts of kindness leading up to Thanksgiving. This could be volunteering together, donating to a charity, or doing something thoughtful for someone in need. These actions can deepen your sense of gratitude by giving back to others. Silent Reflection : Set aside some quiet time on Thanksgiving morning or evening for personal reflection. Sit in a peaceful spot, close your eyes, and think about the people, experiences, and opportunities you're grateful for. Practicing mindfulness in this way can enhance your appreciation for the present moment.
VIDEO RESOURCE
In 2022, we invited Dr. Sammy Winemaker to join us as a guest presenter for our Speaker Series where she engaged us and the community in an important conversation about improving the illness journey.
Watch the presentation:
Many you all enjoy heaps of potatoes and gravy and gratefulness this Thankgiving!
Dr. Winemaker will be joining us again, in person for our Community Summit - Oct. 19-26, 2023. More Details.
SPECIAL DAYS & AWARENESS DATES
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Occupational Therapy Month National Seniors Day - October 1 Thanksgiving Day - October 9 World Mental Health Day - October 10 World Hospice and Palliative Care Day - October 14 Remembrance Day - November 11
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