The Camp Echo Lake Trail

With Thanksgiving right around the corner I am reminded of an article I read in Time Magazine online called Why Being Thankful is Good for You by Alexandra Sifferlin.  You can find various similar articles that have been published which explain the health benefits of taking time each day to feel thankful, including sleeping better, a healthier heart, and overall feeling more optimistic. That all sounds pretty great, right?  While reading this particular article, it resonated with me, because it reminded me of what we do everyday at camp. We pass high fives and hugs at morning line-up to say thanks to our friends for doing something kind. We give shout outs to our friends and counselors each day during group circle ups.  We recognize campers every evening by giving out Fuzzies. We take the time to reflect on the positives of the day and publicly give thanks on a regular basis. The feeling that comes from this is what we call a Warm Inner Glow and it is innate in the culture of Camp Echo Lake.

Wouldn’t it be great if we all took more time to reflect and express our gratitude all year long? I would like to challenge you to do so.  Here are some ways you can show you are thankful, not only during Camp and the holiday season, but all year round.

Make a List

Every night, before you fall asleep, take time to write in a journal a list of things you are thankful for!  By taking time to reflect, you will realize all of the positives that happen in every single day.

 Write a Letter

Take the time to write a letter to a family member or friend telling them why you are thankful for them.  Recognizing your family and friends for their kind gestures will make you both feel grateful.

 Do Someone a Favor

Do something nice for someone just because. Hold the door for a stranger.  Do the dishes even when it is not your turn to do so. Let’s spread the feeling of thankfulness to others!

 Be Thankful Even During Times of Adversity

When something isn’t going your way, it can often be hard to feel thankful.  However, this is when feeling thankful can be the most important!  Challenge yourself to give thanks during times of adversity.  This will help you see the good in any situation and overall be more optimistic about the outcome.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because the spirit of the season encourages people to be more open about sharing their thankfulness. By doing so, we are not only giving our friends a warm inner glow, but we are spreading positivity and optimism, all while feeding our own feeling of gratitude. I hope everyone has a happy and healthy Thanksgiving with their family and friends and continues to think about all they have to be thankful for in all the days to come.

Warm Regards,

Kelly