Getting Geared up for Gratitude

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to come together, enjoy delicious food, carry on traditions, and reflect on what they are grateful for.  And there is no better time of year to practice being grateful than Thanksgiving! Gratitude can be practiced in many different ways, such as through meditation or by reading a gratitude journal.  Whatever your prefered method of practicing gratitude we like these three simple E's of tapping into the power of gratitude by Skip Pritchard.

1. Emote: feel the emotion.

When we get lost in our thoughts, we lose touch with our emotions. We lose touch with what's going on inside and outside of ourselves, and it can be difficult to connect with others or ourselves in a meaningful way.
Emotion is an energy that flows through us and connects us to others and the world. When we are mindful, we are more able to focus on our emotions and feel them fully as they arise. This helps us stay connected to ourselves, others, and the world around us.

2. Extend: give gratitude to include other people.

Expressing gratitude to others is a way to show appreciation and acknowledgement of the support they provide. It also helps us feel more connected to them. Gratitude can be expressed in many different ways, such as through words, deeds, or gifts.
The most common form of expressing gratitude is through words. It is important to be specific in your expression of gratitude so that the person knows what you are thankful for. For example, "I'm grateful for all of your help with my project" or "thank you for always being there for me."

3. Exercise: do your daily gratitude exercise.

The act of practicing gratitude is a powerful way to improve your mental health. It can help you feel more connected to others, and it can also help you feel less stressed and more satisfied with your life.
Practicing gratitude is not just about saying “thank you” for what we have. It’s about taking the time to reflect on all the good things in our lives, big or small.
It’s important to make time for this exercise every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. It doesn't need to be complicated - it can be as simple as writing down three things that you're grateful for in a journal or telling someone else what they've done that made you happy.