One of the most important misconceptions to address is that resilience is not an inherent trait you either have or do not have. It is a set of skills that can be learned and strengthened over time through our choices, behaviors, and ways of relating to our thoughts and emotions.
As the year draws to a close, many of us feel the familiar pull toward reflection — and, often, toward resolution. The new year is commonly framed as an opportunity to become better: more disciplined, more productive, more organized, more fit. While this impulse is understandable, it can also quietly carry a unhelpful message beneath it — that who we are right now is somehow not enough. What if this year, instead of striving to become someone different, we gave ourselves permission to be more fully ourselves?
Given the potential stressors of the holiday season, mindfulness can be exceptionally beneficial. Whether you are facing the emotional strain of challenging relationships, financial pressures, loss and grief, or simply the hectic pace of the season, mindfulness offers a way to find calm as well as enhance your experience of positive moments.
As Thanksgiving approaches, it is the perfect time to reflect on the power of gratitude in our lives. Research tells us the practice of gratitude can significantly enhance our well-being and resilience. At Upward, we believe that proactively cultivating mental wellness is an investment in yourself, as it not only protects against mental health struggles but enhances one’s quality of life. Let us delve into what “mental wellness” means, the purpose of gratitude, its myriads of benefits, and practical strategies to incorporate gratitude into our daily life.