Gratitude

Thanksgiving is coming soon (how did that happen?), and once we hit November, I always start to think about gratitude a little more than usual. Sometimes it's hard, being grateful when we're confronted with the daily news and tragedies in the world. But have you seen a list of what a little bit of gratitude can do to a person? Better productivity, more optimism, better emotional health, greater physical health benefits...the list goes on and on with just how much good some gratitude can do a person. Thanksgiving is always a natural reminder to be grateful, but why can't we celebrate thankfulness all year long? Maybe we don't get to see extended family all year long and enjoy some amazing food that the holiday warrants, but there's no reason we cannot continue the attitude of gratefulness every single day of the year. Imagine if we all tried a little harder - our little part of the world could collectively be healthier, happier, more productive, nicer, kinder, & more willing to give and help others. To me, that's an incredible benefit for just a little bit of focus and effort on the positive. I know it's hard sometimes...but there is always at least 10 things we can offer up our thanks for at any given time. We are pretty fortunate in the grand scheme of things...let's never take that for granted, this holiday season and throughout the year. And most importantly, let's pass that attitude of thanks along to those who may need it a little more than us. The ripple effect could go a long way.