It’s Time to Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving week! Wow, I can’t believe Thanksgiving is just a couple of days away. I’m sure you’re busy putting your Thanksgiving Day menu together, cleaning the house and putting up festive decorations. But there is something you’re forgetting. Have you remembered to take the time to give thanks?

Showing gratitude cannot only make another person feel good, but there is strong correlation between giving thanks and your personal well-being. This Harvard Medical School article notes studies that have found this correlation.

As we near Thanksgiving, what are some ways that you can give thanks to the people closest to you? Here are a few suggestions to help you on your way.

1. Send a handwritten note. When was the last time you sent one? Do you remember how you felt when you last received one? In our fast-paced, electronic driven world, the handwritten note is a novelty. Why not make someone’s day by sending a note thanking him or her for a way in which they helped you this year?

2. Reflect on who you are grateful. Take some time to meditate or reflect on your life. This is an important step to your overall happiness and feeling of thankfulness. We are not alone in this crazy world, and focusing on those people who have helped you along the way can be beneficial for your overall wellbeing.

3. Pay it forward. – Why not surprise someone like a helpful neighbor or work buddy with a homemade meal or flowers? Sending unexpected gratitude to a friend can go a long way. I also love the idea of showing kindness to a stranger. Whether it is buying a cup of coffee for the person behind you, or simply helping someone in need during the day. Kindness and gratitude can make the world a better place.

Photo: Oh My Handmade