Reflecting with Gratitude

Thanksgiving is the time of year to look back at the year and give thanks and celebrate gratitude.

Gratitude – a word that hasn’t been shown much in recent years. What does this really mean? The Oxford Dictionary defines it as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and return kindness. That’s a mouthful, am I right? It is more than just saying thank you. It is more than just observing the things you have – food, clean water, clothing, a roof over your head. The idea around gratitude is to truly appreciate and show appreciation for things you have and then, in return, show kindness to others. How do you show kindness to others? Small things like opening a door because you have arms that work, is a start. Donating winter coats because you have 4 or 5 and your neighbor has none. Giving monetary donations because you have a job and there are human beings trying to run shelters to provide food and warmth to human beings, and every penny counts.

When you show gratitude, it not only helps your neighbor, but it helps you too.

When you focus on the positive aspects of your life, how grateful you are to others and how much others have blessed your life, your attention shifts away from toxic emotions like resentment and envy. You feel better, you act better, you live better.

My challenge for you - This year, be grateful for the things you have and the people around you. You never know when those people will vanish from your lives, so embrace them while they are present. Tell them how you feel and why you appreciate them in your life. Show kindness to others – and not because you feel guilty or have an obligation to do so. Because you want to make others happy.

Our lives could use a little more gratitude this holiday season. Remember, it isn’t about you, it’s about the million other lives you can change with even just a shift in attitude.