Being Thankful This Time Of Year (And Every Day!)
This tends to be the time of year when we’re around loved ones the most, and are so thankful for them and all of the blessing we have in our lives. While it’s certainly a wonderful thing to take the opportunity that these holiday give us to be thankful for all that we have, there are so many ways to be thankful, every day.
We’ve listed just some of the many ways you can be thankful this time of year, as well as the rest of the months, practicing gratitude and kindness, every day.
See how much of a difference a positive outlook, gratitude, and thankfulness can make in your life and pass it on to others.
1.Give Thanks For Today!
You don’t even have to thank a person… you can thank life itself! Wake up, and greet the day with gratitude. Be thankful you’re alive!
This prayer by the Dalai Lama, tells us: “Every day, think as you wake up, ‘Today I am fortunate to have woken up, I am alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others, to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others, I am going to benefit others as much as I can.’”
2. Create A Gratitude Ritual.
Many mornings, I do a little ritual: I just close my eyes, and take a couple of minutes to think of the people and things I’m grateful for — my readers, my loved ones, and others in my life.
*Write in a gratitude journal, like one of these ‘A Line A Day’ books: https://www....0493267&psc=1
(^^These make a great gift idea, too!) :)
3. Do Someone A Free Favor.
Without expecting anything in return, do something nice for someone. Just something small. Get them a drink or a coffee, do a chore for them, offer to do an errand, anything they’d appreciate, really. Think of what the person likes, wants or needs, and try to do something (even something small) to help them. Actions speak louder than words, and doing something nice will show you’re grateful more than just saying it.
4. Give Someone A List Of All They’ve Done That You’re Grateful For.
Take 5 minutes and make a list of 10 or 50 things you love about someone, or things they’ve done for you that you appreciate.
5. Send A 'Thank-You' Note.
You know, it’s nice to get a little note thanking you for something you did. You don’t need to send someone a formal thank-you card (although that’s a nice touch), but just a little note (or email) saying thank you for a specific thing the person has done for you can go a long way. And it only takes a minute!
6. Surprise Them With Kindness.
Actually, this is mostly the same as Item #5, but with a twist: surprise the person. That little extra step of surprising them can make a big difference. When your wife comes home from work, have a lovely dinner prepared. When your mom walks out her front door in the morning, have her car nice and clean. When your daughter opens her lunch pail, have a little note and a treat waiting for her. You get the idea.
7. Say “Thanks”, Even For Negative Things In Your Life.
This is the hard part, in truth. When things go wrong, when we’re not happy, when people are mean to us, when we are worn down by the million slings and arrows of everyday life… we don’t want to say thank you. But in truth, this is the time when it matters most. If you’ve mastered the first 9 items on this list, you’re ready to master this one.
When life gets you down, when your hurt or angry or confused or frustrated, take a moment to stop and close your eyes and find things to be thankful for. Your health, your family, your job, the roof over your head, the fact that you’ll have a next meal, the beauty of the world around you, the good people in your life, your new Macintosh computer. Whatever you can think of, be thankful for them … and express that gratitude somehow. Realize that all is not bad in this world, and be happy for that.
8.Make A Thankful Tree!
This year, why not try a new way of displaying gratitude for all that you have?! Create a ‘thankful tree’ to display in your home this Thanksgiving and for many years, after. This tree is easy to make and customize to fit your style, and is something that everyone will love to be a part of.
**You can make this a monthly or seasonal ritual, where you, perhaps, switch out the leaf shapes for snowflakes (winter), flowers (springtime), and sun shapes or flip-flops for the summertime!
https://www....sthanksgiving
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**As you’re spending time with loved one this year, remember that experiencing new things together is always fun! Stop in for a painting and wine class at our studio in Tustin, where you’ll bring out your inner-artist, while enjoying some delicious wine, great music, and making some wonderful memories.
Check out our full calendar: https://www....tustin/events
— Looking for the perfect place to hold your holiday party this year?
We’re still taking reservations for private parties, so learn more about it and sign up, ASAP!
https://www....ookyourstoday
*Remember that a handmade work of art makes a thoughtful gift that anyone will love! In addition to a painting made by you, a gift certificate to experience one of our classes, first hand, is also a good idea to keep in mind for those on your list this year! There’s nothing like the gift of an experience and whether it's with a certificate so they can come in and make art of their own, or you’re planning on coming in with them to make some memories together, it’ll be fun!
Buy a gift certificate: https://www....-certificates
Share Ideas for ’Thanks” around the table | Things to be thankful for