Every Thanksgiving, many of us take a moment to reflect on the blessings and positive aspects of our lives. I love taking the time to review the past year and reflect on everything I’m thankful for in my life.

However, expressing gratitude shouldn't be confined to a single day or a specific season. Just imagine what would change not only in our own lives, but also in those around us.

Cultivating a year-round attitude of thankfulness can bring about profound positive changes in our lives, relationships, and overall well-being.

Here are some practical ways to carry thankfulness into the entire year.

1. Jot Down Your Thanks

Start or end your day by jotting down a few things you are grateful for. This practice helps shift our focus from what might be lacking in our lives to the abundance of positive elements. Whether big or small, acknowledging these blessings fosters an ongoing sense of gratitude. Once I began doing this, I was amazed at how many things I was thankful for — not just the things right in front of my eyes, but those that are a bit hidden in the corners of my life.

2. Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. Pay attention to the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness allows you to appreciate the small joys in life that often go unnoticed. By being fully present, you can develop a heightened awareness of the positive aspects around you.

Getting the hang of mindfulness can be a bit tricky, especially with the world buzzing around us. It loves to mess with order in our lives before we even begin! But, you know, practice makes perfect. Give these a shot:

a. Kick those negative thoughts:

Spot those self-limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns. Grab 'em, toss 'em out, and replace with a solid "I can."

b. You're not defined by the negativity:

Repeat after me: negative thoughts don't own you. Shower yourself in positive affirmations. It's like creating a force field against the negativity.

c. Build up those connections:

Friends, family, your ride-or-die crew - keep them close. When life gets tough, having your people around turns the "I can't" into "I got this."

Now, take a moment to jot down how you can practice mindfulness. Then, just go for it!

3. Express Appreciation Regularly

No need to save your thanks for a grand moment. Get into the habit of appreciating those around you on the regular. Whether it's a buddy at work, your best friend, a spouse, or a family member, letting them know you're grateful for them keeps those good vibes flowing in your relationships.

4. Volunteer and Give Back

Getting involved in acts of kindness and giving back to the community fills our soul. Set aside a bit of your time for volunteering or supporting charitable causes. Serving others doesn't just create a positive ripple effect; it also amps up your gratitude for the privileges you might currently enjoy.

5. Celebrate Milestones and Achievements

Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your personal achievements, no matter how small. Be thankful for what you do!Reflect on the progress you've made in various aspects of your life. I have an exercise I put my clients through called, The Order. Putting things in their life in order of importance. Nine times out of ten, they put themselves way down the list. Recognizing and celebrating your accomplishments fosters a sense of pride and gratitude for the journey you've undertaken. You will even stand up straighter and begin to believe in you more often.

6. Surround Yourself with Positivity

Take a good look at your surroundings and relationships. Choose to be around folks who lift you up and spark inspiration. The positive vibes from these influences can seriously shape your perspective and keep that sense of gratitude going strong.

7. Create Thankful Traditions

Establish traditions that encourage gratitude within your family or social circles. This could include a monthly gratitude dinner, where everyone shares what they are thankful for, or a gratitude jar where you deposit notes of appreciation throughout the year. Get creative!

8. Prioritize Self-Care

Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally is crucial. Recognize the importance of self-care and express gratitude for the ability to prioritize your well-being. This, in turn, enables you to approach life with a more positive and thankful mindset.

9. Say Thank You, alot!

When I'm at the airport or in a restaurant and encounter a lavatory attendant in the bathroom, I always make sure to express my gratitude. A small thank you can go a long way. Many times people melt into the background. We don’t see them. In our busy lives, we often forget the power of a simple thank you. The next time you remember to say thank you, pay attention to how it affects the recipient. I always say if someone doesn’t have a smile, give them yours. Their smile makes it all worth it.

10. Give gifts (small and large)

Almost everyone loves receiving gifts. Back when my kids were little, I taught them that giving gifts isn't just a nice thing—it's also a boost for our own joy. Just picture a child's face when they unwrap a present – that pure excitement radiates through their whole being. They say gifts can even tackle feelings of sadness, anxiety, and loneliness. It's like the gift that keeps on giving, no kidding! 😄

Gifts don't always have to come wrapped up. Spending quality time together is a fantastic gift – creating memories with someone is my favorite kind of present!

Carrying thankfulness into the entire year is not just a seasonal activity but a transformative way of living. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can create a lasting attitude of gratitude that positively impacts your relationships, mental well-being, and overall satisfaction with life. As you navigate the ups and downs of the year, remember that a grateful heart is a magnet for positivity and fulfillment.

With Vizion,