Metro Detroiters Share Stories of Gratitude Despite Difficult 2020
“I am grateful for gratitude and I’m grateful for knowing that when things are going bad, I know I can turn it around,” says Janice Kaplan, author of The Gratitude Diaries.
This year has been a difficult one. From the pain and isolation caused by the pandemic to widespread economic uncertainty to a contentious election cycle, 2020 has been stressful. As the holidays approach, Americans are gearing up for scaled-back celebrations and postponed gatherings. The tradition of giving thanks, however, is not canceled. In a year as challenging as this one, expressing gratitude has never felt more important.
Listen: Expressing gratitude in a challenging year.
Guests:
Satori Shakoor is the founder and executive director of the Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers here in Detroit and is the host of WDET’s Twisted Storytellers podcast. She says that while this year has been tough, there are still reasons for hope. “2020 has been one of the most unpredictable, surprising, and challenging years of my life… but I’m grateful for the outcome of the [presidential] election,” says Shakoor.
She says that while the pandemic has been horrible, she is also grateful for what COVID-19 has shown us, how it has humbled the country, and the inequalities the pandemic has underscored. In every tragedy, Shakoor says, there are opportunities to reflect on one’s life and relationships.
Janice Kaplan is the New York Times bestselling author of “The Gratitude Diaries” and the host of “The Gratitude Diaries” podcast. She says that most people believe events are the main contributor to their wellbeing, but actually, its attitude that has the greatest impact on mental welfare. “There’s a lot of research on how gratitude increases well-being more than anything else you can do. Writing a letter to someone who matters to you…psychologists have found doing that works really well to decrease depression,” says Kaplan.
For people disappointed by the change in holiday tradition this year, Kaplan recommends changing the narrative. “If Thanksgiving is smaller this year, you can spend the week mourning not being with family or… you can celebrate that you get to try something brand new this year,” says Kaplan on the importance of perspective and attitude.
Let us know what you’re grateful for »
The post was written by Clare Brennan
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