How And Why To Give Thanks, Even In Trying Times

By Elizabeth Carey for DyeStat

Considering history from 400 years ago through today, the traditional Thanksgiving story isn’t something to celebrate. But giving thanks can be. 

As professional runner Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Daniel, among other activists and historians, have explained, the romanticized origin story of Thanksgiving white-washes genocide and trauma —including that of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe that historically stretched across the northern Atlantic coast and continues to fight oppression in Massachusetts. 

History, just as complicated as our present, informs us. That’s why it’s important to acknowledge truth. Sometimes it’s hidden in plain view. Especially in murky, myth-filled times. 

Take, for example, blessings. Even within the tremendous challenges many face, we may find little nuggets for which we’re grateful. Recognizing this can bear additional gifts. 

No, I’m not recommending you pop on rose-colored glasses or fake a smile or pretend like everything is hunky-dory when it’s not. Emotions and dichotomies coexist, especially in the midst of crisis and the wake of trauma. I’m not saying that positive attitudes can heal systematic violence against swaths of people. 

Rather, I’m inviting you, reader — alongside other athletes, coaches, and fans of our sport — to choose to celebrate something outside of the prevailing narrative. Practice identifying the gold-hard gifts in your life. This practice may help you increase your own awareness, compassion and resilience. 

Studies have shown that those who practice gratitude report fewer symptoms of illness, boosted mood and other perks. This goes for young people, too. For example, a study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology (Maybe a bit biased, eh?) compared high schoolers who actively practiced gratitude in lessons and through an app to a control group. Those who practiced gratitude said they felt more positive emotions, less anxiety and improved relationships. Additional research suggests that grateful teens have more flexible coping skills. 

The prevailing narrative is not a collective experience. We’re all all over the place. I mean, look at this cross country season. Thirty-plus states held scholastic championships and others canceled their seasons. A handful of big records were broken while countless others have sheltered in place to protect high-risk family members from a surging pandemic. Food insecurity among households with children has tripled, according to research by Northwestern University. Humanity — even our special niche — is polarized and it all feels extra tricky to navigate. 

So, might those of us with extra heapings of blessings better serve our teammates, athletes and community members? How might we empower ourselves and fully realize our potential to be team players? 

Feeling grateful (an emotion that like all others is fleeting) is different from practicing gratitude (an approach or attitude that one chooses or practices). Cultivating a practice — or even cursory awareness — of gratitude means taking a look at your situation and finding the positive, even a fragment, alongside the negative. And then, perhaps, sharing or celebrating that fragment. 

I asked cross country athletes at Garfield High in Seattle, Wash., where I am an assistant coach, what they were grateful for despite missing their traditional season this fall. They pointed to the opportunity and support they have:

“I am thankful for the opportunity to become a better and happier person through cross country and for my awesome coaches, friends, and parents who push me and support me.”

“Getting a chance to make new friends and be able to run.”

“Being able to just go run with my friends and not worry about anything else while I run.”

“I am thankful that I am still able to see people in this very weird year and that even with everything going on I am still able to run cross country.”

“I’m thankful for the ability to go to cross country, my health and the health of my family and my friends and family.”

“Strava to watch myself and teammates improve, being able to talk to my coaches face-to-face some days (or mask-to-mask).”

“A large support system — coaches and athletic trainers all trying to help with my shin splints.”

“My running group for being accepting (of) me and always trying to get better and try harder.”

What are you celebrating this week? How will you honor the lives, loss and gifts around you? I’ll be trotting, acknowledging indigenous presence on the land I step on and giving thanks, including for you. 

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Elizabeth Carey (https://elizabethwcarey.com/) is a writer and running coach based in Seattle, Washington. Her first book, GIRLS RUNNING, co-authored with Melody Fairchild, is available at your local book store and here: https://shop.aer.io/GirlsRunning/p/Girls_Running_All_You_Need_to_Strive_Thrive_and_Run_Your_Best/9781948007184-9934.