It’s Thanksgiving time again, which always brings me to the subject of gratitude. I am taking this opportunity to thank YOU, my readership and best supporters, my family and friends, for all you do for me by offering up some ideas for cultivating THANKS in your own life. Enjoy!
1. Choose a different perspective. Being grateful is a choice. You have the power within you to CHOOSE to be thankful for all you are, all you have, and all you do. If you think your situation is the pits, that you can’t stand another minute, and that your life is just full of bad luck, I challenge you to dig deep and ask your inner appreciator about her opinion on things. Having a hard time conceptualizing this? Come talk to me…I can show you how to make it happen.
2. Start a gratitude basket. Here’s mine:
Whenever the mood strikes me, or if I’m having “one of those days,” I stop and write a little something I’m grateful for on a slip of paper; I then date it, fold it up, and throw it in the basket. I’m literally creating a life of gratitude each time I do this. You can do this, too!
3. Publicly acknowledge someone who’s done GOOD work. There is nothing more heartwarming than watching the face of someone “light up” as you shower them in praise and thanksgiving for all they are and all they do. If you’ve never done it, I strongly suggest you try it. It will bring a tear to their eyes…and to yours.
4. Hug someone you love, for no reason other than you CAN. Imagine a world where you couldn’t have physical contact with another human. What would that be like?
5. Be still in the sunshine for 5 minutes. Go outside on a sunny day. Close your eyes, and let the warmth of the sun’s rays touch upon your cheeks. Breathe in deeply, allowing the air to flow all the way down to your sacral spine. Exhale fully. Smile. If you’re not feeling grateful to be alive after that, come talk to me. Perhaps some coaching might help.
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