Thanksgiving is just a few days away! As you spend more (and more intentional) time reflecting on what you’re thankful for - from your family to homemade mashed potatoes and the accompanying sweet, sweet bliss - consider shifting your focus just a tad. Think about not just what brings you joy – big or small – but what allows you to enjoy them, as well as life’s more intangible qualities that spark thankfulness.
Your wit.
Your arms that embrace loved ones.
Your legs that walk on the beach as you search for Petoskey stones.
Your stomach that shakes with laughter every time you’re with your best friends.
Your grit that keeps you moving forward when life throws a curve ball – or six.
Your dare-to-dream attitude that inspires those around you to dream, too.
Your body’s ability to carry you through life without you needing to ask.
Your struggles that have taught you who you do (and don’t) want to be, and what you want out of life.
Even during the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in negative thoughts and emotions. It’s easy to find things that are wrong and aren't picture perfect. And, it's easy to let things that we define as "shortcomings" to play on repeat in our mind.
Instead, remember that there's often more to be thankful for than we think.
Look for what's going right (or what's going better than you expected). Look for what uplifts. What ignites a spark in you. What you - at your core - are truly thankful for. Focus on that. Put your energy towards that and you just might unlock a new way to view thankfulness that goes far, far beyond the holiday season.
