Giving Thanks can make you HAPPY!
Each holiday season comes with high expectations for a cozy and festive time of year. However, for many this time of year is tinged with sadness, anxiety, or depression. Certainly, major depression or a severe anxiety disorder benefits most from professional help. But what about those who just feel lost or overwhelmed or down at this time of year? Research (and common sense) suggests that one aspect of the Thanksgiving season can actually lift the spirits, and it's built right into the holiday — being grateful.
Gratitude is a way for people to appreciate what they have, instead of always reaching for something new in the hope it will make them happier, or thinking they can't feel satisfied until every physical and material need is met. Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack. And, although it may feel contrived at first, this mental state grows stronger with use and practice.
Here are some ways to cultivate gratitude on a regular basis.
- Write a thank-you note. You can make yourself happier and nurture your relationship with another person by writing a thank-you letter or email expressing your enjoyment and appreciation of that person's impact on your life. Send it, or better yet, deliver and read it in person if possible. Make a habit of sending at least one gratitude letter a month. Once in a while, write one to yourself.
- Thank someone mentally. No time to write? It may help just to think about someone who has done something nice for you, and mentally thank the individual.
- Keep a gratitude journal. Make it a habit to write down or share with a loved one thoughts about the gifts you've received each day.
- Count your blessings. Pick a time every week to sit down and write about your blessings — reflecting on what went right or what you are grateful for. Sometimes it helps to pick a number — such as three to five things — that you will identify each week. As you write, be specific and think about the sensations you felt when something good happened to you.
- Pray. People who are religious can use prayer to cultivate gratitude.
- Meditate. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. Although people often focus on a word or phrase (such as "peace"), it is also possible to focus on what you're grateful for (the warmth of the sun, a pleasant sound, etc.).
My name is Janice Haigler, and I am proud to be a third-generation employee at LCTC. My family includes my
husband, Christopher Haigler, and my daughter, Jesslyn Maddox, a senior at CCHS who also attends LCTC in
the health science program. I currently serve as the counselor at LCTC and hold additional roles as the Chilton
County 504 Director, District Homebound Coordinator, and a cheer coach at CCHS.
With 16 years of experience in education, I began my career as a special education teacher at Clanton
Elementary before moving to Baldwin County. I returned to Chilton County in 2017 to work as the counselor at
Maplesville High School, and for the past three years, I've been in my current role at LCTC. Here, I work with
students from all six high schools across the county, helping them pursue their interests and set goals for their
futures.
At LCTC, I contribute to the school newspaper with my Counselor’s Corner, where I share important
information on job opportunities and scholarships. I also maintain a Hospitality Hallway stocked with school
materials and personal care items, ensuring students have resources to support their success both
academically and personally. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is the honor of inducting students into
the National Technical Honor Society.
Lindsey R. Payton, RN
Mental Wellness Coordinator Chilton County Schools
205-245-4572