Hello Loyal Soup People!
We are two days away from Thanksgiving. This is a complicated holiday. For some, it is the joyous start to the holiday season. For others, it can be a difficult, challenging, and lonely period. What I personally appreciate is the first syllable in the holiday – THANKS. The holiday, at its core, can be a reminder for all of us to practice gratitude.
Focusing on gratitude can be essential in achieving mental health. There is quite a bit of research that points to the healing power of gratitude. In fact, the author of this column from the Washington Post tells how her daily journal helped cure her anxiety! While I can’t promise the same results for everyone, it is certainly worth a try.
An easy way to begin is to keep a journal. Get in the habit of writing down three to four things that brought you happiness each day. Even in the worst of times, find some small things – a hot shower, a cup of tea, etc.
Try to focus on both the big and the small things. If you received a promotion – congrats! Definitely be grateful for that! But don’t forget the little things like the beauty of your own breath. If you have a healthy heart, find gratitude for its regular rhythm.
A regular practice of gratitude can help us get through challenging times – from difficult relatives at the Thanksgiving table to much bigger life upheavals.
I want to thank you all for reading my column. I’m very grateful that you allow me to enter your lives every few weeks with a few of my thoughts and tips. I want to wish you a very happy, healthy, joyous, and peaceful holiday. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Love,
Soupermom
*NOTE – Soupermom is not a licensed dietitian, doctor, personal trainer, or anything like that. She’s just extremely knowledgeable about healthy living!! But if you slip and fall while taking her advice, it is not her fault!
Marilyn Polon (Soupermom), Co-Founder and CAO (chief anxiety officer) has been worried about Soupergirl since the company launched in 2008. Actually, even before that. Her career has also been random and fascinating. After twenty years as a speech therapist, Soupermom changed careers and became a volunteer coordinator. She then had a wonderful stint as a docent at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. She was then dragged out of retirement by her daughter who insisted that they start a soup company. Could that be any more random?
All of the company’s recipes come from Soupermom’s kitchen. Honestly, she’s a testament to the power of healthy eating. Her hobbies include really long hikes, walking, doting on her granddaughters, and coming up with new recipes for Soupergirl. She is also a guru of all things health related but gets the words to every single song she sings incorrect. All of them. Loudly. Lastly, her laugh is contagious.