This holiday season I am going to focus on these two words, thanks and giving. So often this time of year turns into binging on too much food, financial pressure, stress of traveling or visiting family that may or may not drive you crazy and lead to one too many glasses of wine. Or it may bring up somber memories of holidays past when loved ones were still here with us. The last point is especially true for me since I lost my mother two years ago this Thanksgiving.
This year I am going to mix it up a bit. Everything I do is going to be based on being thankful for all that I have and I am going to practice giving as much as I can. When I say giving I mean giving from my heart and not my wallet necessarily. I find that living in this space of gratitude and selflessness is actually quite fulfilling and rewarding. It brings a sense of peace and calm to my life and helps me stay grounded.
Here are some ideas you can try to practice:
o Write thank you cards to loved ones for no reason at all but simply to say ‘thank you’ for being in your life and tell them how much you appreciate them. Who doesn’t love getting a hand written note in the mail?
o Express your gratitude to the people in your life who help you feel beautiful inside and out. Make some yummy and healthy treats for your manicurist, hair stylist, private trainer, gardener, or even your grocery clerk. People love to feel appreciated so shower them with goodies to tell them how much their service means to you.
o Donate some time at an animal shelter or a soup kitchen. Spend time helping others in any way you feel drawn to. Be careful though, you might come home with an adorable little four-legged friend. ☺
o Go through your closet and donate your lightly worn items that you aren’t going to use anymore. Drop them off at a women’s shelter or a church so they go directly to those in need.
o Go to your local nursery and buy some flower seeds or herbs and plant them in eco-friendly containers and drop them off to your neighbors with a note that says how nice it is to have them as a neighbor. This is a nice gesture to practice even if you have had conflicts in the past with a certain neighbor. Live your life from a place of kindness and generosity and your world will be more peaceful.
I challenge you to practice giving and thanking every day from now until Thanksgiving. (and beyond) Together we can spread the love and make people smile. I am excited to begin practicing my ‘thanking’ and ‘giving’ this year. Why wait? I am thankful to you for taking the time to read my article.
Namaste