By Katie Jay, MSW, Certified Life & Wellness Coach This holiday season, if gratitude feels out of reach, that’s okay. Try focusing on small moments of genuine enjoyment to ease your stress, support your bariatric self-care, and open the door to gratitude naturally. Enjoying simple, pleasurable moments isn’t selfish; it’s essential. When you pause to notice something that delights you, even for a moment, you give yourself kindness, calm, and a break from stress. Over time, those little sparks of enjoyment help gratitude return on its own. In this blog, you’ll learn how simple moments of enjoyment can help reduce holiday stress, support mindful eating after bariatric surgery, and allow genuine gratitude to grow naturally. When Gratitude Feels out of Reach, Seek Enjoyment Instead November is filled with reminders to “be thankful.” We see it on coffee mugs, greeting cards, and social media. Gratitude is a beautiful idea, but sometimes it feels distant, especially when you’re tired, worried, or carrying emotional weight. Many people feel stressed by family gatherings, food choices, or simply the noise of the holidays. For those who have had bariatric surgery, that stress can make it harder to stay balanced. When life feels heavy, trying to be grateful can sound like one more thing you have to do. This year, instead of forcing gratitude, try something gentler: find something to enjoy each day. Enjoyment as a Form of Mindfulness Enjoyment is a natural kind of mindfulness. When you enjoy something, you’re already present. There’s no need to make a list of blessings or work on your attitude; you just notice what feels good. Maybe it’s stepping outside to feel the wind, watching sunlight through the trees, or listening to a favorite song. Maybe it’s raking leaves by hand, taking a nap, or laughing at a movie you’ve seen too many times. These simple things calm your body and remind you that life still holds good moments, even when it’s hard. Managing Stress After Bariatric Surgery After surgery, stress can easily throw you off balance. It can lead to grazing, emotional eating, or prioritizing other people’s comfort over your own. Enjoyment helps interrupt those patterns. When you notice something that feels good and allow yourself a moment of pleasure, your body relaxes. You breathe more deeply, think more clearly, and make choices that support you. Mindful Eating and Satisfaction Instead of focusing on restriction, let satisfaction guide you. Savor your food’s smell, color, texture, and taste. The first few bites are usually the best ones. When the flavor starts to fade, your body is saying, “That’s enough.” That’s not about control; it’s about awareness. And awareness, over time, helps you enjoy your life more. Simple Ways to Find Enjoyment During the Holidays Before the holiday rush begins, take a few minutes to think about what you’re likely to enjoy the most. Remember, it’s okay to ask for what you need and to take care of yourself. You might enjoy: Stepping away from people who drain your energy, kindly but firmly Taking a walk to enjoy the fall colors Picking one dish you love and savoring it slowly Calling or texting a friend who understands you Watching a movie that always makes you smile If the day feels overwhelming, step outside. Notice the air, the sound of birds, or even the hum of traffic. The world keeps turning, steady and calm, no matter what’s happening inside. Let Gratitude Grow Naturally You can’t force gratitude. It shows up when you feel calm and cared for. When you give yourself permission to enjoy small, real things, gratitude grows naturally, not as a rule, but as a feeling. You might be surprised by how grounding it feels to take a moment for yourself, look at favorite photos on your phone, or, for playful souls, start a silent game of tag during a gathering, with only your coconspirators in on the joke. So this Thanksgiving, don’t aim for perfect gratitude or perfect eating. Notice what you truly enjoy. Let that be enough. Because sometimes, the simplest way to find gratitude is to notice what brings you joy, right here, right now.