Do you wear a poppy? If so, what meaning does that flower represent to you as a Canadian living in Victoria?
It's been over 100 years since World War I — The Great War — was finally ended when a truce was made between Germany and the Allies. The armistice was signed on the “11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month” in 1918. Which is why this day, November 11th, has become such an important opportunity to remember the great sacrifices that were made and to feel gratitude for how fortunate we are here in Canada.
Now, November 11th has become the the day when countries around the world pause to remember those who fought and died in wars. Although Remembrance Day is typically associated with World Wars One and Two, it has since grown into a day when we honour veterans of every war where Canadians fought, to remember their participation and sacrifices.
How Can Remembrance Day Remind You to Practice Gratitude?
If you think about it, Remembrance Day is, at its core, about memory, respect, appreciation, and gratitude.
Certainly one of the easiest ways we can practice gratitude by buying a poppy to show our gratitude of veterans - and remembering to wear it each day until November 11th! This tradition is a daily reminder to be grateful in honour of those who fought - and continue to fight - in wars so that the rest of us will be safe and live in peace.
Remembrance Day is a prefect time for us to notice and reflect on the many things we’re thankful for here in Canada. Regular, daily gratitude practice has been shown to help shift a person's state of mind from negative focused to positive.
It's so simple, yet so powerful. Even something so quick and easy as starting your day by writing down 3 things you are grateful for, if done regularly, can have a cumulative, lasting effect. Double that effect if you also do it at night just before bed! Imagine, waking up thinking about what you are grateful for and going to bed thinking about that too... what sort of impact would that have on your life?
Gratitude for Peace
Veterans have made huge sacrifices for us all. For many of us, it can be difficult to imagine what they've seen, experienced and are still going through. Thanks to them, we are fortunate to enjoy a tremendous quality of life in Canada (especially here in Victoria, BC!).
This Remembrance Day, allow yourself to feel gratitude for the peace and stability that fosters this quality of life and appreciate those who have fought for us, remembering the bravery and sacrifice that our freedom has cost. Lest we forget.
