Thanksgiving, a one-day celebration, is held on the last Thursday in November. But wouldn’t it be great to practice giving thanks year-round? Have you been wondering how to more creatively express your gratitude, and at the same time, engage your friends and family to do the same?
I have some ideas to help you make this positive pivot.
You may be thinking of various prompts for your gratitude journal, but let’s explore other options. Now, I’m not knocking the gratitude journal. I think it’s a wonderful way to privately offer appreciation for our bountiful blessings. Personally, I’m eternally grateful for the gift of another day. Each morning before rising, I recite Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Become a serotonin dispensary...
When I leave home each day, I set my intention on being a serotonin dispensary — greeting people I come in contact with by smiling, offering kindness and compliments, and expressing gratitude. I notice how these actions lift people up. It may seem like a small gesture, but taking time to appreciate those around you contributes to world peace.
But how can we send out our appreciation into the world and touch others? First we need to develop a new habit. You know how you get up each morning, stretch, brush your teeth and enjoy a wholesome breakfast? In the same way, we have to plan, prioritize, and make thanksgiving a daily practice. This is going to be so much fun!
Send a warm fuzzy each month...
One idea is to make a list of all the people you hold close to your heart. Text each person once a month with a brief message expressing how grateful you are for having them in your life. Compose a simple, heartfelt line with an emoji or copy a great quote and tell why you chose it. Set aside maybe five minutes each day to craft one text. If there are thirty people on your list, by the end of the month, you will have loved on all thirty. If you’re not into texting and you have more time, call your friend or send a handwritten note. Step farther out of your comfort zone and include a warm fuzzy for yourself as well. Receiving your own uplifting message may feel awkward at first but it’s bound to put a smile on your face.
Spread your goodness beyond people you know...
Another idea is to spread your goodness beyond your family and friends. When you’re out shopping for groceries, tell the manager, cashier or other associates that you appreciate the cleanliness and appearance of the store, that you always find what you’re looking for, and so on — whatever is relevant to your shopping experience. This suggestion could be tweaked and applied to your local post office, library, and other places you frequent. Can you imagine the positive impact? I’m sure you’ll think of more creative ideas for integrating expressions of gratitude into your daily routine.
Gratitude is contagious...
Once you get started, you won’t be able to stop. When others see you actively engaged in thanksgiving, it tends to create a ripple effect of positivity and well-being.
Consider This
Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone practiced thanksgiving 365 days a year? Engage your heart and do your part. Forward this post to everyone you know and watch what happens!
When you regularly practice gratitude, you’re more likely to feel more grateful. At this moment, for what are you grateful? Can you think of other ways to express gratitude for yourself?
Four Steps to Nourish, Transform and Flourish
• Set a loving intention to express gratitude every day.
• Begin by engaging family and friends, and then broaden your reach to people with whom you come in contact in the community.
• How will cultivating a habit of practicing daily thanksgiving promote positive emotions for yourself and others?
• Close your eyes and visualize how this lifestyle change can prepare you for your amazing second half.
Need help establishing a daily gratitude practice?
It can be challenging to maintain momentum on your own. My Sprout Your New Life™ course will give you the tools and the strong spiritual foundation to make lasting change in your life. Click here for more.
In love, peace and health--
Your feminine glow guide,
T. Kari Mitchell, M.Ed.
Motivational Speaker
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Lifestyle120.com
When your spirit is nourished, your inner light produces an outer glow reflecting your beauty and truth.