As we approach the holiday season, it’s important to take the time to reflect on what we are thankful for. What does it mean to be thankful? How can you express more thankfulness? Expressing and experiencing thankfulness is linked with happiness and positive outcomes. The more often and conscientiously we feel thankful, the better our lives are.

According to many different studies, enhancing thankfulness skills leads to:
• More positive social interactions.
• Recollection of deeply meaningful memories.
• Activities that can be done almost anytime or anywhere.

If you’re feeling like thankfulness is something you want to express more often, there are several ways you can go about it. You can express your gratitude face-to-face, in texts, with emails, and through social media posts. Whenever possible, try to focus on appreciating who people are rather than what they do for you. That way, the expressions of gratitude are more beneficial for the person you are sharing them with.

Be thankful for each new challenge, too, because that builds character and strength within your life, business, and relationships.

Be thankful for the mistakes you make. Our missteps teach us such valuable lessons.

Be thankful for our difficult times in life, for these are the times you grow.

Be thankful you do not have everything you desire. If you did, you would have nothing to look forward to.

There are ways to help us increase the ways in which we are thankful. You could simply write three things you are thankful for each day, or you could write gratitude notes. Simply write down the name of someone you are thankful for, and write down all the reasons why. Take a moment and ask yourself “Who are three people I can be thankful to have in my life today, and why?” After you write down your gratitude notes, share them directly with the person you wrote them about.

Being thankful for what you have is one of the easiest and simplest ways to change your mood and to live a happier life. I am thankful every day that I have a wonderful family, great friends, and the opportunity to help other people. I am thankful that I am able to enjoy the small pleasures of my life. I am thankful that I have a roof over my head and a warm, comfortable home.
Take a minute today and think about what you a thankful for.

There is nothing more positive than expressing gratitude. If you have a wonderful reason to be thankful, we would love to hear about it! Email Vickie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 717-790-2171.