It is Thanksgiving today in the United States.  Instead of ringing in Thanksgiving in my nice cozy bed, I find myself awake and contemplating gratitude.  How can I bring an attitude of gratitude to my family and my home today and every day?

I was thinking about words…sometimes in the heat of the moment, in a time of tension or even just in a time of minor irritation, words come out that no one really means.  Adults apologize, and yet those words can enter the soul and wound.  I have met many emotionally wounded people in this past month and so much of it caused by words…I was thinking today how I would like to step up the vigilance I place on the words I choose and use.  This thought of being present with a smile, a nod, a reassuring pat, of not offering advice unless asked, the thought of always having an encouraging word to say…and showing my gratitude through the words I do choose.

You are wonderful.  I love you.

You are terrific.

Thank you.

I couldn’t do this without you!

I love this moment with you.

I am thankful to have you in my life.

I was thinking about showing gratitude through warmth…the emotional warmth that comes from being loved.  Even if your child is in a terribly difficult development stage, you can still find something good about that child. Did you catch them doing something that was gentle, kind, or helpful today?  Did you tell them?  It is so easy to have a negative attitude instead of seeing the positive and being grateful, isn’t it?

I was thinking about showing gratitude by being in the moment.  When we are in the moment, we are not weighed down by our baggage from the past.  We are not worried about the future.  We are present, we are here with each other and loving one another.  Being present IS an action. Being present leads to contentment and the gift of gratitude for that moment in that space and time.

As we head closer to the holidays of Winter, I want to remember that we are all  lights that shine in the darkness.  Let us be the models of graciousness and gratitude for our family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers…and many blessings on this special day..

Love,

Carrie