The recent hurricane that affected millions of people on the east coast has made many reflect with gratitude on the many privileges we enjoy daily, and often take for granted. The simple pleasures of a warm and protective home, a loving family at your side, and food in your belly are enough to fill your heart with joy. But how do you share that positive perspective with the people around you? During this Thanksgiving holiday perhaps you will find new ways to enjoy and thank the significant people in your life who support, love and encourage you.

Beyond appreciating those in your immediate circle, there are many ways you can weave a theme of gratitude into your home, work and social life. This practice of finding joy and gratitude not only improves emotional health and relationships, but ultimately benefits your physical health by reducing internal stress.

  1. Thank those around you. Many small favors are exchanged daily between people we interact with often, in fact we take those favors for granted more than we actually notice the helpful reminder, door held open, email or text with a cheerful thought or just checking in on you. build gratitude into your daily interaction by noticing those people doing small favors for you or others; and the simplest acknowledgement is to say, “Thank you!”
  2. Send special gifts. People just love fun surprises like cards, healthy snacks, gift cards, flowers or invitations to meet over lunch, coffee, or dinner. Incorporating occasional gifts for family, friends or co-workers can make them feel special and magnify the impact of your relationship.
  3. Pay it forward. Giving back to your community can have advantages too. Volunteering for causes you care about, donating food to feed the hungry, giving financially to your church or a charity are ways to give back to a larger world. Giving to help the struggles of others strengthens an important quality for living a life of gratitude, and that quality is compassion.

How will you express gratitude to the special people in your life… not only for this Thanksgiving holiday, but as a health habit?

Thank you for taking time to connect with me through this blog…

Health and Life