Two weeks ago we celebrated Thanksgiving in the United States.

Thanksgiving Table 2013

Our Thanksgiving 2013 Dinner Table

Leading up to Thanksgiving I saw a lot of social chatter about what people were thankful for. However, the chatter has almost silenced since last Thanksgiving. I’m on a journey of living a more authentic life, which to me involves owning and taking responsibility for ALL of me…the good, bad, ugly, and indifferent. I also try to move in and with gratitude daily.

I believe more people should move in and with gratitude. Practicing gratitude allows us to focus on the good in our lives, families and communities.

Here are 4 EASY ways you can practice gratitude in your life this holiday season

1. Keep a Gratitude Journal

I write down five things a day I’m thankful for. Sometimes I capture them in a traditional bounded journal book. Some days I capture them in an app on my iPhone called Gratitude Journal. Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to keep track of the things you’re thankful for. Today, I wrote down that I’m thankful for new opportunities, my Costco membership, Face Time conversations with my BFF, getting some great deals on a few Christmas gifts and for finding the bottom piece of my Mophie charger.

2. Tell Someone Else

Do you have a friend that’s a GREAT friend? Is there someone that always remembers to send you a birthday card? Does your neighbor always seem to have the one thing you accidentally left off of your grocery store list? When you send your holiday cards this year why not include a personal note to those special someone’s in your life letting them know how much you appreciate them and their kindness.

3. Clean out your closets, kitchen cabinets and toy chests

What better way to prepare for the giftgiving season than by getting rid of the “stuff”  you no longer use? If you’re like me you may even have extra dishes, housewares, linen and clothing that you bought ON SALE and have no intention of using. Additionally, your children may have toys that they never played with or no longer play with. We all have gently used items that can bless someone else’s life

4. Volunteer at a local food bank or  pack food for needy children

This is a great individual, family and/or group activity. In lieu of a holiday luncheon with your friends, why don’t you spend the time serving lunch at a local shelter? Last Christmas season I volunteered at a local food bank. Not only was it a fun experience but it nourished my spirit and reminded me of the true meaning of Christmas.  Volunteer Match is a great resource for finding volunteer opportunities in your community.

Even though Thanksgiving is over, we can still practice gratitude. How do you practice gratitude beyond Thanksgiving? I love hearing from you, leave me a comment below.

CD_Jasmine_Signoff_STAR