Thanksgiving is tomorrow. A day to remember all we have to be thankful for. A day for family and food. But tell me, why does it have to be just one day?
MORE THAN A DAY
This time of year we always think about being thankful but what about the rest of the year? So many times we find ourselves complaining about this or that. It’s too hot or cold, our house isn’t big enough, new enough or in the right place or our we just don’t have enough time to do all we want to do. As a result of our complaining, we are never content with what we have, what we do or where we are in life. Why?
IT’S A MINDSET
So much of what we think has to do with what we feed our minds both through what we see and what we say. You see, we what we allow in will determine what comes out through our actions, attitudes and words. In other words…we have a choice. We can CHOOSE to be thankful by focusing on what we do have instead of what we don’t. We can focus on the good (even if it’s just one small thing) in our lives instead of what isn’t.
6 Ways to stay thankful
1. Keep a gratitude journal
Writing in a journal or notebook helps you remember what you’re grateful for because it helps you focus on it. Keep a little notebook with you and write down things that make you happy throughout the day. No need to write a bunch. Sometimes just a couple of words will help you to remind you of something that made you smile.
2. Be content with what you have
We always want to compare what we have with others. When we do we usually end up focusing more on what we don’t have instead of what we do. Instead realize that everyone has their own blessing. Appreciate what you’ve been blessed with and be happy for others who are blessed in different ways.
3. Speak positive words
The words that comes out of your mouth do matter. The more positive your words, the more positive your viewpoint will be which will in turn help you be more thankful. The words we speak affect our attitudes and our actions. Therefore, the next time you feel like complaining…STOP! Choose to say something positive instead and if you make this a habit, you’ll find your joy increasing without you even thinking about it.
4. Be thankful for the little things
Take the time to notice the little things surrounding you every day. There’s power in the small stuff. Look for things to appreciate and be thankful for. Like someone opening the door for you, or letting you go in front of you at the grocery store. Things like this, when appreciated as good can make you more thankful.
5. Remember to say thank you
Thank you are two small words that have power. They have the power to brighten your day and whoever you choose to say them to. As a result of saying thank you, you show how much you appreciate those you have contact with.
6. Smile
Did you know that according to research smiling releases dopamine, endorphins and serotonin into your blood stream not only making your body relax but also work to lower your heart rate and blood pressure? All the more reason to let those pearly whites show more often!
To sum up, Being thankful every day of the year is all about your focus. What are you focused on? Where are your thoughts? What words are you speaking? All of this combtributes to how you can be thankful every day. Therefore choose to focus on the good things each day that come our way. Write them down to look back on, choose to speak the words that are positive and appreciate the little things. So, as we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, let’s keep it going all year long. I challenge you to practice these six tips each day and let me know if it helps.
Happy Thanksgiving folks! May your day and year be filled with an abundance of blessings.
Becky
