World Gratitude Day
World Gratitude Day has been designed to bring the whole world together in a day that is all about being thankful. … A little bit of gratitude can go a very long way. It is important for people to feel appreciated for everything that they do. There are also many other benefits that are associated with giving gratitude.
Why is World Gratitude day important
It was in 1965, at a Thanksgiving Day dinner in the meditation room of the United Nations building, that the idea of World Gratitude Day first came into being. Spiritual and meditation leader Sri Chinmoy suggested there be a day of thanks the whole world could celebrate together. Those present at the meeting pledged that each year on Sept. 21 they would hold a celebration of gratitude in their country.
In 1977, during a special ceremony that honored Sri, a resolution passed that would officially recognize World Gratitude Day. Since then, this annual observance has grown to become a dynamic, worldwide movement.
How to observe World Gratitude Day
There are so many fun ways to celebrate World Gratitude Day. Gather a group together and play the Alphabet Gratitude Game. Write thank you notes and give them to those you appreciate. Eat dinner together as a family and let them know how thankful you are for them. Ask each member of your family what they’re thankful for.
Is there a person in your life you’re thankful for? A physician, teacher, babysitter, or relative? Whoever it is, today is a great day to tell them thanks!
Start a gratitude journal. Write a list of things you’re thankful for. Post the list to Facebook or write it up as a blog post. When sharing your list on social media, be sure to use #WorldGratitudeDay.
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Tip:
f you aren’t the thankful type, World Gratitude Day would be a great time to start. Not sure where to begin? Simply be thankful for waking up and experiencing a brand new day. Other ways to be thankful include:
- Consider the source of the food you have in your cupboards.
- Look to the roof over your head. Having a home to live in, no matter how large or small is something to be thankful for.
- Jobs than pay our bills, feed our children and give us a purpose.
- We often take our health for granted, but it is another thing to be thankful for.
- The beauty nature provides in sunsets and many other ways every day.
- Our loyal pets are worthy of our gratitude.
- As the saying goes, “there is always, always, always something to be thankful for.”
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Resources
In order to celebrate today effectively, here is a list of resources you can use to make the day special – or to plan ahead
- Nature Helps Your Kids with Online Learning (Houston Family Magazine)
- Emotional Benefits of Pet Dogs for Kids (Oregon Family Magazine)
- Scentsational! 7 Natural Scents To Help Boost Our Mood (Virginia Family)
- Green Exercise (Chicago Suburban Family)
- Relax And Have Fun Volunteering Outdoors With Your Grandkids (Grand Magazine)
- How Volunteering Outdoors Can Help Your Family Feel Happier and Calmer (Mamas and Coffee)
- How To Enjoy the Benefits Of Nature Inside When You Can’t Get Outside: How to Ditch a Gloomy Mood (It’s Your Magazine)
- Create a Meditation Garden (Tidewater Women)
- 3 Ways Kids Can Find Mindfulness Through Nature (Georgia Family)
- How Children Find Their Purpose at Camp (City Parent)
- How to Enjoy the Beauty of Nature During a Family Road Trip (Kern County Family Magazine)
- Children Find Their Purpose at Camp (Pittsburgh Parent)
Reference Sites
- UN and other international NGO
- Non-Profits website for the observance
