Life Through a New Lens-Practicing Gratitude

As we all gather around the table for Thanksgiving this week, surrounded by family, friends, delicious food and in that moment, we’re experiencing that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with a holiday gathering. We're thankful for their presence in our lives, happy to see everyone since the last get together, but is it possible to have those feelings everyday and not just on special occasions? Absolutely....and I can personally attest to that. Practicing gratitude is more than just a feeling of thankfulness, it is life changing; you look at life through a completely different lens. You see your children as blessings (even during tantrums) your house (despite the things you wish were different about it) as your home, chaos as your beautiful mess, what you have is now is more than enough...the list can go on and on.

Practicing gratitude is exactly that—a practice. As simple as it may seem, it takes a conscious effort to make it a part of your daily routine, but it's so worth it! Grateful people are known to be happier and healthier—physically, mentally, and emotionally, too.

Gratitude comes to us in those quieter moments, when we reflect on all that life has given us. It brings us joy, peace and a sense of calm even amongst a storm of chaos. Practicing gratitude can help us make sense of our past. It can bring peace despite tragedy as well as help us understand the meaning behind life's most difficult experiences.

Experiences, not things, bring us to a state of gratefulness.

As we head into the holiday season, I encourage you to find time each day to practice gratitude. Don't worry...this is a skill, you don't have to be born optimistic or have a life that's been free from problems in order to use it. When you take the time to express gratitude for everything that surrounds you, you'll quickly realize that your life is actually overflowing with blessings. Whether you jot it down on a post it note or you keep a journal, incorporating this into your daily routine can shift your mind to focus on the good, see life in an entirely new way and be grateful for your own, beautiful mess.

xoxo,