Saturday, September 21st is World Gratitude Day. It’s also the International Day of Peace!
World Gratitude Day was started in Hawaii in 1965 as a way to encourage and express gratitude. Showing thankfulness is powerful and enriching for both the giver and receiver.
The International Day of Peace was started by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981. The theme this year is “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.” With so much conflict around the globe, it’s important to highlight the notion of non-violence and shared values of respect, diversity, cooperation, and dialogue.
This quote comes from UN.org: “The ideas of peace, the culture of peace, need to be cultivated in the minds of children and communities through formal and informal education, across countries and generations.”
Ojai celebrated the International Day of Peace with an event on September 14th (so one week early) from 2:00-10:00 at Libbey Bowl. There was a “Bridge Builder” award ceremony and vibrant dance presentation.
Other ways to practice peace as suggested by UN.org include organizing a peace walk, volunteering, tending to a group garden, hosting a peaceful film screening or concert, cleaning up the environment, and building or contributing to an exhibit.
You might have heard the sayings, “Look for the Good” and “Have an Attitude of Gratitude,” which are great, but I recently came across another inspiration in my Finding Gratitude guided journal, which was a gift from my daughter:
“Trade your expectations for appreciation and your whole world changes instantly” (Tony Robbins)!
This approach can reduce stress and increase contentedness, hopefulness, and happiness. I’m still adopting the mantra, which can be challenging with teens at times.
May September 21st serve as a reminder to seek and spread peace, especially during election season. Fall is also a time to give thanks.
As we transition from summer into autumn and approach the equinox, let’s reflect on what we had and have.
This summer, my kids, husband, and I got to travel, visit relatives, and spend time at home together. We worked, read, played, and had fun with friends and family. It was rewarding, and I am glad.
I’m teaching 3rd grade this fall, and I plan to honor 9/21.
Ways to show gratitude to and with kids:
- Use a gratitude jar: put pennies in it and express something positive for each penny, then donate those coins to charity.
- Make a list of things you’re thankful for about each other and yourself.
- Send a letter, card, or email to somebody who makes a difference in your family’s life.
- Give credit and compliments to loved ones (in person, by phone, or electronically).
- Acknowledge and affirm someone’s earnest effort.
- Bake an item or order a sweet treat as a gift, even for a neighbor.
- Send a cheerful quote to brighten a person’s day (this could go in a lunchbox).
- Recognize and honor someone’s top Love Language through an act of service, present, quality time spent together, or a snuggle.
- Pick or send flowers (for a teacher, perhaps).
- Say prayers of appreciation or optimistically reflect at the end of the day.
- Help or donate to those less fortunate.
- Smile, hug, sing!
So, what are you thankful for? Consider your pets, outdoor experiences, family, friends, health, safety, comfort, chances to rest, books, art, sources of support, food, mobility, community, travel opportunities, and beyond.
“There is calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy” (Ralph H. Blum).
So, when 9/21 comes around, consider the following sentiment to start with a grateful heart: “This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before” (Maya Angelou)!
