I knew Thanksgiving 2020 would be different (emotionally and mentally) for me. I knew I would need to focus even more on what I’m grateful for and my blessings. Therefore, I started my week of gratitude to shift my mindset from the things I would miss to the things I have. I was intentional on the themes I chose, the pictures selected and the messages attached to each post. Although I give thanks daily, this process was quite therapeutic.

There are numerous ways to express gratitude so I’m sharing my 5 tips that I’ve found helpful.

1. Say Thank You! When I wake up in the morning, I say those two powerful words. I show gratitude and appreciation for waking up to see another day. I thank others when they’ve done something small, medium or big. Additionally, I say thank you for hard lessons learned. From those I grow and get an opportunity to improve.

2. Laugh Loudly! Obviously, not everything is funny or a joke but laughter is medicine for the mind. With all of life’s challenges and stressors the ability to laugh, find humor and smile is a necessity.

3. Forgive freely! I offer up forgiveness without the person asking. Holding on to anger and frustration doesn’t serve me or aid in obtaining my goals. The ability to release that negative energy allows me to have clarity and energy for what matters.

4. Call time-out! I wrote a whole post on calling a time-out about 3 weeks ago. I think its crucial to self-care and especially important when you have to show up for others. If you’re not in shape to play the game it will show. Therefore, taking a moment to re-energize and restore your strength might be the best thing you can do for someone else.

5. Write it OUT! We know the saying that actions speak louder than words. That is true indeed. There’s also something special about writing a note, a text, an email, a blog to/about someone. I received a text message from my Mom this morning that warmed and melted my heart in a thousand pieces. She always tells me how proud I make her but something about reading the message hit different 🥰.

Thank YOU for checking out this post! Please subscribe and leave a comment on anything that resonated with you or include a way you show gratitude.

Parenting family mental health mindset motherhood motivation self care