FROM THANKFUL THOUGHTS TO CHANGED FAMILIES:

MORPHOGENESIS & GRATITUDE

by Quentin Jones

Most of us have used the word morph to talk about change. Last month, we lamented that Uncle Fred won’t stop talking about political issues. And last year, Thanksgiving Dinner morphed into a family brawl after Uncle Fred brought up his views on the 2020 elections. Thanks, Uncle Fred!

Morphogenesis. In biology it’s the process that causes an organism to take shape and form. In psychology, it’s more exciting. It’s the process where a system (like the family with Uncle Fred) changes to adapt to inside or outside influences. Maybe a hot button issue in the community changes Uncle Fred and he influences everyone in the family to become activists and the family becomes known for community involvement.

But what about Thanksgiving? What if someone starts a movement of giving thanks in the family? What would your family morph into? What would your family be known for? Being grateful? And how would that change daily life in your family? Would you all be more thankful for each other? And would that increase joy?

What starts morphogenesis? You. It starts with you. Last month, one of the takeaways was “Practice Gratitude. Write down one thing each day that you’re thankful for.” This month, you can start sharing with others what you’re thankful for. Maybe you texted “thanks” for something a family member did. You can follow that up with, “Thank you for getting that coffee yesterday. That got me through the morning.” At first, you might shock people. Over time, you are giving your family a template for seeing things to be thankful for and expressing gratitude.

Here are some tips:

• Practice Gratitude.

Write down one thing each day that you’re thankful for. Want a reminder? Put a note by your toothbrush and give thanks as you brush.

• Try morphing a complaint.

Messy house, empty gas tank, kid’s homework not done? Morph it.

Thankful for a place to live, having a car, finding out now before class grades are final.

• Share.

Mention what you’re thankful for to someone. “I had a banana at the meeting today. It was good. It almost makes me want to eat healthy.”

Tell someone what you appreciate about them. “Uncle Fred, you always want the best for us.”