Thanksgiving, year-round

     As we approach Thanksgiving, let's reflect on how to practice gratitude, not only during this season, but throughout the year. Being grateful has physical, psychological and social benefits that can lead to stronger relationships and greater overall happiness. Here are some ways to cultivate a grateful mindset.

Create reminders

     Whether it’s an alert on your phone or written on a sticky note, a gratitude reminder can be grounding during a busy day. Reminders could be "What am I grateful for right now?" or "Who should I say ‘thank you’ to?" Put sticky notes in places you’re likely to see throughout the day, such as on a bathroom mirror, office desk or front door.

Write in a journal

     When using a gratitude journal, it is important to practice depth over breadth. Journal entries should be intentional and can be brief. Here are a few prompts to get you started: How will I express gratitude today? What are three things I am thankful for right now?

Go for a walk

     Ardenwoods has three walking trails that are perfect for gratitude walks. During a gratitude walk, it is essential to leave distractions behind — or simply make sure your phone is silenced and tucked away. Notice the surrounding colors, smells and what you feel on these walks. Then reflect.

Add to a gratitude jar

     Every time you think of something you’re thankful for, write it down on a piece of paper and slip it into a jar or cup. At the end of each year (or just when you need a pick-me-up), pull out the slips of paper to read.

Perform an act of service

     Volunteering fosters gratitude by providing perspective and an increasing awareness of privileges. Whether it’s volunteering as an usher at the Asheville Community Theatre or offering your sewing skills to the WNC Repair Café, there are numerous volunteer opportunities for aging adults. Explore local volunteer opportunities here, and learn about fellow residents’ volunteer work below.

     Dick Jedwill, a former AARP Tax-Aide volunteer, has helped countless Michigan and North Carolina residents prepare their taxes at no expense. In the Asheville area, Dick volunteered at Pack Memorial Library and other Tax-Aide locations in Black Mountain and Weaverville. With the help of his Tax-Aide coordinator, Dick even set up shop at Ardenwoods, helping his neighbors file their taxes.

     "This was an activity that allowed me to utilize my interest and skill in math, analytics and logic to give back to the community," he said.

     Ardenwoods resident Dona Marie Nelson also gives back to her community, offering complimentary mending services to her neighbors.

     Dona offers these services — which she calls “Mending Mondays” — on a seasonal schedule, accepting items the first Monday of the month in January, February, March, October and November. On Mending Mondays, residents bring clothing or household items to Dona and her mending partner, Margaret Robinson, for repair. Dona can sew buttons, stitch holes, re-align zippers, and hem pants and skirts. She has even helped residents fix sofa covers!

     Another act of good, taken on by various residents, has been shopping for toys and other gifts for children in the residents’ pen pal class. Before residents send the gifts to the students’ teacher, there will be a resident wrapping party.

     Thank you to all who cultivate a spirit of service at Ardenwoods! Your efforts help our community thrive.

     Ardenwoods wishes everyone a relaxing, feast-filled Thanksgiving. Don't forget to express your gratitude and continue reminding yourself of all you are grateful for in the months to come. Maybe you'll even adopt a new way to give thanks!