Funny Puns About Gratitude Funny Puns About Gratitude

Disclaimer:

Your first act of gratitude can be accepting my puns

The holidays are right around the corner, and you know what that means? Lights, big snowflakes, hot chocolate, cozy pajamas, meals with endless courses, and holiday cheer.

All of these things lend positivity and warmth to the coming season, but they come at the cost of some possible stress. Increased time with the family could mean uncomfortable conversations about life, love, and the pursuit of school and career prospects, last-minute holiday shopping comes at the cost of being with a million other people thatmust have that same sweater, and traveling could mean that even if you get that sweater it could get lost en route to your destination, along will all of your other things.

Now that I raised your blood pressure, let's take a second to breathe.

The holidays are a wonderful mix of triumphs and downfalls (and snowfalls), which means they're a perfect time to practice gratitude.

I know what you must be thinking, "Food puns, really? How are these possibly going to help me express gratitude and kindness?" It's true, there are so many other ways for me to tell you why gratitude is so important.

I could tell you that:

Robert Emmons, the world's leading scientific expert on gratitude from University of California, Davis, defines gratitude as having two main components, "First, it's an affirmation of goodness. We affirm that there are good thing in the world, gifts and benefits we've received. The second part of gratitude is figuring out where that goodness comes from. We recognize the sources of this goodness as being outside of ourselves"(Emmons 2010).

Or that:

"Mother Theresa talked about how grateful she was to the people she was helping, the sick and dying in the slums of Calcutta, because they enabled her to grow and deepen her spirituality. That's a very different way of thinking about gratitude—gratitude for what we can give as opposed to what we receive. But that can be a very powerful way, I think, of cultivating a sense of gratitude"(Emmons 2010).

I could tell you these things, but I won't.

If you Google gratitude, you'll be able to find all of that; even your life coach, self help books, or yoga guru will be able to help you formulate habits that cultivate gratitude in your lifestyle. Due to the fact that I am not trained in any of these fields, my advice here comes from my unique sense of humor.

Laugh with me, or laugh at me, at least I can make you laugh.

Well, as you may see in the disclaimer stated above, puns tend to push people over the edge of their humorous capacity. As you may have to brave some less than ideal moments over the holidays, you can practice acceptance by dealing with my less than ideal sense of humor.

Get Ready, These Are Pretty Cheesy

Lettuce Celebrate and Be Merry

You're heading back home after a long semester of late-night study sessions and far too many meals of junk food. Take time to relish in the fact that you can finally sleep in your own bed for a normal amount of time and actually eat a meal that make you feel like a normal human. Enjoy the little things while you're home, especially all of the great food you're about to eat.

Be Thankful For of the Egg-cellent People In Your Life

Take time out of each of your days home to reach out to someone and tell them how much they mean to you, how they've impacted your life, or just something generally positive. A gesture, however small, can mean the world to someone.

Make Sure You Tell Them They're One In A Melon

When In Doubt, Give Them S'More Love

Sorry To Burst Your Bubble, But Life is Not Always a Cup of Tea

As you go about your days of gratitude when you're home, it's important to remember why you're being gracious in the first place. I say this not because I'm assuming your head isn't in the right place, but because expressing gratitude can sometimes be a thankless task. When you express gratitude to someone, it could mean the world and they will be sure to repay your kindness. Other times, you may not hear more than a "thank you", if anything. While this may feel strange, keep in mind that gratitude is not done for instant gratification and acknowledgement. Of course this feels good, but for all of the wrong reasons. Be gracious because you want to actuallybe a good person, not because you want people to tell you how nice you are.

When This Happens and You Feel Like You CAN't Do It…

When This Happens, Remember You Avo-CAN-do It! Being Nice, IS Nice!

When In Doubt, Bacon Structive

When you are with your family or friends over the holidays and you're not sure how to show them that you appreciate them, simply support them. Give them your undivided attention when you talk to them, support their life decisions (unless one of those decisions is to not wear a coat in the cold weather), and watch their favorite show on Netflix with them even if you hate Lifetime movies or documentaries about the American prison system.

Speaking Of Being Supportive, Don't Be Jelly!

When you go home for break, be mindful of the conversations with others when talking about the future. Some of your friends may know what they are doing after graduation, and some may not. Regardless of what category you fall into, be gracious about where you are at in your life in relation to your friends. We all have our own journeys and will reach our goals at our own pace, so be supportive of others when they're reaching their milestones even if you're not quite where you want to be yet. Be proud, don't be jealous. Be the person you'd want supporting you when you accomplish something awesome.

And If Your Friends Don't Respond In The Same Way, Don't Be Salty

Because You Shouldn't Carrot All

Let's Taco 'Bout Uncomfortable Conversations

I think my favorite part of being home is the inevitable clash of family opinions. It's really quite a thrill to sit back and watch some conversations turn into scenes from the Hunger Games. Full of competitive, bloodthirsty minds, my family can sometimes be a spectacle when trying to make a point in a conversation that was once friendly. It's possible that this is a slight exaggeration and I may hate when this happens, but we all know what it's like to feel uncomfortable in family conversations. Here are a few steps to ensure you stay strong in these moments:

If you feel overwhelmed, don't be afraid to take a moment to be alone. Go to a private room to take a breath during social events, escape to a coffee shop to read or catch up on emails, or go on a run (or walk, because as Ann Perkins says, "Jogging is the worst, Chris. I mean, I know it keeps you healthy. But God, at what cost?"). Being in tune with how you are feeling will help you be the best person you can for those that you love, thus making it easier for you to appreciate the roles they play in your life.

Don't Get Too Upset

If you need to cry, at least invest in some tissues instead of the back of your new sweater. I'm all for a few tears, but try to reign it in. Some issues that you may encounter during the holidays are not worth getting that upset about. If you feel yourself reaching this point, take the advice given directly above.

Be Like A Burrito and Wrap It Up

Whether it's about political or religious values you don't share with your family, your plans after graduation (which really just feels like a test of your strength), you're going to encounter tough conversations. When this happens and you don't feel as though you can step away or break out in tears, try to politely wrap up the current topic from the "bad place" and change the conversation. Puppies are always a great bet.

And Just Remember, It's Always A Brew-tiful Day To Tell Someone You Love Them

Or You Like Them A Latte

Finally, Donut Be Afraid To Say "Thank You"

When someone says "thank you", it says a lot about their overall character. It may be a small piece of gratitude, but it speaks volumes. Dr. Laura Trice, who gave a TED Talk titled, "Remember To Say Thank You", says that saying thank you is good for two big reasons, but I think the first is the most applicable here. Her first point is "that most of us really do want to hear someone thank us for the things that we do, even if it's something that we're supposed to be doing anyway. Being appreciated is one of those things that really motivates us, both at work and in life, so a little goes a long way if you can offer up a genuine thank you when it's appropriate"(Henry 2014).

So, THANK YOU For Putting Up With My Puns

My final advice is (shockingly), to be gracious. Spend your time home over the holidays, or winter break, to be mindful of the little ways you can brighten someone's day and make them feel appreciated. Taking time out of each day to be honest, tolerant, and humbled by those around you are a few good steps in that direction.

Now (finally, I know) I am all punned-out.

Cheeri-Ho-Ho-Ho!

Just kidding, I will always be punny. Just as you will always be gracious and loved. Until next month!

harrisfleamint.blogspot.com

Source: https://campus.albion.edu/students/2017/12/25-days-of-gratitude-as-told-by-food-puns/

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