Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  I love the simplicity of being with loved ones and sharing a meal together.  I love what Thanksgiving represents.  Being thankful is a great mindset to maintain throughout the year but I find it’s nice to have the reminder this time of year to reflect on everything there is to be thankful for.

Even when life is at it’s most challenging times finding even the smallest thing to be thankful for can bring hope to what can seem like a hopeless situation.  Being thankful has the power to bring a new perspective.  Instead of focusing on what’s not right in our lives and what’s missing, our focus turns to what we do have and as a result the feelings of anxiousness, frustration and worry are replaced with hope and joy.

Not only is thankfulness good for your own soul; it’s also contagious.  When you express your thankfulness to others it releases something in them.  Being recognized, valued, and appreciated brings feelings of happiness, joy and contentment.

Perhaps it’s not just coincidence that Thanksgiving kicks off our holiday season.  Maybe it was intended to be that way in order to set the tone for the rest of our holiday season.   I hope that no matter what circumstances surround you, this Thanksgiving,  you find much to be thankful for and that as you share your gratitude with others your joy is multiplied.

Happy Thanksgiving!