Beyond Turkey and Stuffing: Growing Gratitude in the Granite State

Hey there, Utah! As November rolls in and the Wasatch Range dons its snowy cap, it's time to talk about something that goes beyond pumpkin pies and Black Friday sales – gratitude. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Gratitude? Isn't that just for Thanksgiving Instagram posts?" But hear me out. Cultivating genuine thankfulness can be a game-changer for your mental health, especially as we head into the holiday season.

So, let's explore how we can grow some real, home-grown gratitude right here in the Beehive State. Trust me, it's more nourishing than even your grandma's famous green bean casserole!

10 Ways to Cultivate Gratitude in Utah

1. Appreciate Our Natural Wonders We're surrounded by jaw-dropping beauty every day.

Try this: Take a "gratitude hike" in one of our stunning canyons. With each step, notice something you're thankful for – the crisp air, the view, your ability to experience it.

1. Embrace Our Diverse Community Utah's becoming more diverse every year, and that's something to be grateful for.

Try this: Attend a cultural event different from your own background. The Utah Cultural Celebration Center often hosts great exhibitions and performances.

1. Practice "Altitude Gratitude" Our high elevation isn't just good for skiing – it can be a metaphor for lifting our perspective.

Try this: Take a trip up to Guardsman Pass or another high point. From up there, reflect on the bigger picture of your life and what you're thankful for.

1. Give Back to Our Community Volunteering can boost both gratitude and happiness.

Try this: Spend a day volunteering at the Utah Food Bank or another local charity. Helping others often reminds us of our own blessings.

1. Appreciate Our Local Flavors Utah's food scene is booming, and that's something to be thankful for!

Try this: Try a new local restaurant or visit the Downtown Farmers Market. As you enjoy your meal or produce, really savor it and feel grateful for the farmers and chefs who made it possible.

1. Create a "Utah Gratitude" Journal Focus on the unique aspects of living in our state.

Try this: Each day, write down one thing you're grateful for about living in Utah. It could be as grand as our national parks or as simple as your favorite local coffee shop.

1. Practice "Weather Gratitude" Yes, even for our wild weather swings!

Try this: Next time we have a big weather change (and you know we will), find something to be grateful for in it. Maybe it's the cozy feeling of being inside during a snowstorm or the way the air smells after rain.

1. Appreciate Our Sense of Community Utah's known for its tight-knit communities.

Try this: Reach out to a neighbor or community member you don't know well. Express appreciation for something they do, like keeping a beautiful garden or always saying hello.

1. Be Thankful for Our Outdoor Playground From ski slopes to red rock deserts, we've got it all.

Try this: Try a new outdoor activity and feel grateful for the opportunity and your body's ability to experience it. Maybe it's snowshoeing at Solitude or rock climbing in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

1. Express Gratitude to Others Sharing our thankfulness can amplify its effects.

Try this: Write a heartfelt thank-you note to someone who's positively impacted your life in Utah. Maybe it's a teacher, a mentor, or even the barista who always remembers your order.

Remember, gratitude isn't about ignoring problems or forcing positivity. It's about recognizing the good that exists alongside the challenges. By cultivating thankfulness, we can boost our resilience, improve our relationships, and maybe even find more joy in our daily lives here in Utah.

[Call to Action: Want to explore more ways to cultivate gratitude and improve your mental health? Let's chat about it. Schedule a session and we'll work on strategies to help you develop a gratitude practice that feels authentic and beneficial to you.]