Gratitude Tips

Gratitude Tips

November naturally and rightfully brings thoughts of what we are thankful for if only for a brief time. Traditionally we set aside a day or maybe make a habit of being grateful the entire month culminating with our national holiday. It is good to give thanks. Gratitude is proven to increase happiness, lifting mood and even serious depression when practiced regularly. However, it is in our nature to overlook things, take things for granted or to focus on the negative and we must be disciplined to prevent this.

Here are a few ideas of how to increase the practice of gratitude in your life just in time for the holidays!

• Make a list adding one thing you are thankful for each day
• Have a decorate dish out with paper and pen for folks to write down things they are grateful for. Mix ‘em up and read a few at the holiday or do it all season and reflect on them at the new year.
• Send hand written thank you cards via snail mail to friends or family
• Slip an unexpected note of thanks in a lunch box or under a pillow.
• Look anew at your reflection and be thankful for what you see 
• Create a collage of images of people, places, experiences that have made an impact  on you, build on it all season till the new year. Invite family to join in on the effort.

Look for the ordinary and extraordinary in each moment, each day. Regardless of what difficulties or frustrations you may encounter there is something to say thank you for, find it. Record it, revel in it.

I challenge you to make a practice of gratitude and extend it to the new year. I promise it will make you holiday bright and set you on a positive course going into the new year.

I am eternally grateful to all my clients and friends that share so much of who they are with me and with each other as we grow together into being more of who we are while unfolding rich, intimate friendships along the way.

Thank you!