It's Thanksgiving in the United States. And most Americans pause for a moment during Thanksgiving to give thanks. But why wait until a designated day to express your gratitude? You can live a life of gratitude every day of the year, regardless of your circumstances and whether it's a holiday. So make it a point to recognize your blessings and remind yourself that showing gratitude for all you already have only does more to attract further blessings into your life.
Did you know that practicing gratitude attracts more blessings to be thankful for? It's true! Here are five ways to get started:
1. Be thankful for the little things.
You'll learn to appreciate the little things when you're in a thankful mindset. Many times the sweetest blessings come in the smallest forms. Once you learn to love, recognize, and be thankful for the little things, your quality of life will increase because you'll know how much God has truly blessed you.
Your daughter giving you a drawing that says, "Number one, mom!" or your husband picking up your favorite flavor of ice cream are things that you should be thankful for. Your daughter thinks you're a rock star and have a considerate spouse. How awesome!
2. Reflect on the blessings in your life.
As you do, you'll develop impeccable radar. If you often reflect on the blessings in your life, you'll be able to spot a good opportunity a mile away. For example, you'll be able to smell a promotion in the works or a chance to bring your family closer.
Actively seeking new opportunities to increase your personal quality of life and that of the ones nearest and dearest to your heart will fill your heart with more blessings and joy.
3. Give to the less fortunate.
When you're thankful for the bed you sleep in at night, the roof shielding your family from the cold, the family on your couch, and the food on your plates, you're well aware of how fortunate you are. As a result, you're more likely to jump at the opportunity to help someone in a worse position. And there is always someone worse off than you are.
The smallest efforts from you could make a world of difference in the life of another. For example, helping your neighbor craft his resume will help him provide for his family. Donating your used clothing will help keep the homeless warm. And taking part in a walk for breast cancer may allow someone else to live another day. It's not complicated! When you help others, you help yourself in many ways.
4. Reach higher to live your God-given potential.
By being ungrateful, you are not living up to your potential and falling short of what God has in store for you. Instead, show appreciation through thankfulness and release your potential. When you live a grateful life, it is full of blessings. The more thankful you are, the more joy you will see each day –– making your reality, lifestyle, and future even better.
Being grateful for what you have is normal, but it's also natural to want to grow and improve. This is that seed of potential that God has placed deep within your heart. Striving to improve your life is beneficial for not just yourself but also your loved ones. And God is working in you as you serve Him to empower you to be all He created you to be.
5. Consider others.
When you live a life of Thanksgiving, you will have a more profound sense of joy. Joy is a fruit of God's Spirit living in you. It is not something you have to contrive but to realize and release through your grateful heart. The more you sense the joy of the Lord, the more you will treat others kindly. You'll be more likely to open the door at the store for a stranger or pick up a fallen cane for an elderly person. Your sense of happiness is magnified when you help bring joy to others.
While Thanksgiving is a holiday in the United States, it can be a lifestyle for everyone regardless of where we live. Your life begins to take a turn for the better when you consider how fortunate you are. The smallest details can boost your spirits. The misfortune of others will prompt you to help them seek support, and life begins to look a little brighter.
Starting today, take your mindset to new heights, let it reflect more of the "Fruit of The Spirit," and make every day a personal day of Thanksgiving! You will be surprised at how much your life is enhanced. So, don't wait for Thanksgiving to start giving thanks –– make it a part of your daily routine and watch your life be transformed!