Something To Be Grateful For

Happy November!  As we start up this new month, my heart is focused on Thanksgiving.  A lot of times, when we say "Thanksgiving", we think of food, family, and football.  But I wonder what would happen if we focused more on giving thanks.​

I'm talking about gratitude.  A Harvard Health article I once read called gratitude "a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives."  Positive psychology research tells us that gratitude is connected to more positive emotions and greater happiness. When I think of what I'm grateful for, I tend to think of the small, day to day things.  Things like having dinner with my family.  Having a safe, warm place to call home.  Talking to a friend earlier today.  Noticing the day to day events and experiences and allowing ourselves to be grateful for them is so healing. For some, it is the recognition that life is better than it once was.  For others, it's knowing we have something to look forward to.  When we notice these experiences of positivity and gratitude, we are helping our minds and our bodies to heal.  We allow these experiences into our day to day and our mindset begins to change.  Over time, this could have amazing outcomes!  Every night at dinner, my family and I share one thing we are grateful for each day.  I end up being more grateful to hear about their gratitude than I am my own experience.  So as we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I challenge you to find ways to give thanks in your day to day.  Here are 3 ideas to get you started:

1. Write a thank you note to your child's teacher
2. Make a list of 5 physical abilities you are grateful for
3. Tell your partner "thank you" for something they did today

​ - Amber -