HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
The holiday season is officially upon us, and this year, let today bring more joy than stress!
One of the best ways to do that is by practicing gratitude. Gratitude has actually been shown to improve mental and physical health, relationships, and overall well-being. Research has shown that when we practice gratitude we are more likely to experience higher levels of satisfaction with our lives. Additionally, grateful people have been shown to have better sleep quality, lower stress levels, and less fatigue. Also, grateful people are just more fun to be around.
When I find myself worried, overthinking, stressed, overwhelmed, frustrated, deflated, or sad…I go to gratitude. You guys know I love to write, so typically I do this by writing down things I’m grateful for. But there are way more ways to practice gratitude that aren’t so cliché.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are 10 things I find myself giving thanks for a lot:
1. Give thanks for your health. We often take our health for granted, but it is one of the most important things in our lives. If your health isn’t where you want it to be, still give thanks for what your body does for you, like giving you the ability to read this blog.
2. Give thanks for your family and friends. The people in our lives make us who we are. Be grateful for the relationships you have and cherish the time you spend with loved ones today. When being around family starts to feel overwhelming today, give thanks that you can hug them.
3. Give thanks for your home and possessions. Our homes provide shelter and comfort, and our possessions bring us joy. Be thankful for all the material blessings in your life. In a world with so much to want, reflect on what you have. I always think about people in other countries.
4. Give thanks for your ability to give back. One of the best ways to practice gratitude is to give back to others. Be thankful that you’re able to give.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” - 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
5. Give thanks for your talents and abilities. We all have special talents and abilities that make us unique. Be grateful for what you can do and strive to use your talents to make a difference.
6. Give thanks for nature’s beauty. Spending time outdoors surrounded by the land that God carefully created is a great way to boost feelings of gratitude. It might be chilly, but take a moment outside to breathe in a big, deep gulp of fresh air. Close your eyes and use your sense of smell, and hearing to hear and smell what all is around you.
7. Give thanks for the simple things in life. Sometimes the simplest things can bring us the most joy. A warm cup of coffee in the morning (decaf for me), a sunny day, or a good book can all be things to be grateful for. Slow down and take notice of the little things that make you happy, especially on a day where you’re probably surrounded by more happy things than usual.
8. Give thanks for your successes - big or small. One of my favorite things to celebrate is hard work. I’m proud of myself for pushing past my comfort zone to accomplish something new.
9. Give thanks for your failures. They have helped you learn and grow and without them, you wouldn’t know what success feels like.
10, Give thanks for the present moment. The last 3 minutes of quiet from the world, reading this blog from your phone or computer. When you think about it, all we really have is the present moment. I want to strive to live more in the present moment for the rest of this year and moving forward.
What are 3 things you're giving thanks for today? Let me know!
Yours,
Jillian
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