“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” ~ Melody Beattie
The holidays are such a wonderful time of year. Families gather and memories are created. Although this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it will look and feel very different.
Starting with Thanksgiving, through Christmas, and into the New Year, most people experience some type of reflection into their lives. Giving thanks and being grateful, shifts the focus from what you may be lacking to the amazing bounty that you already possess. This will be especially important this year.
Research shows gratitude heightens the quality of life. When you give gratitude daily, “it results in higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism, and energy,” according to Michael McCollough and Robert Emmons, Professors of Psychology.
Have an attitude of gratitude:
- Write thank you cards – with so much electronic communication in today’s society, isn’t it nice to receive a hand-written card in the mailbox?
- Do random acts of kindness:
- Put money in someone’s parking meter
- Pay it forward and purchase coffee for the person behind you in the checkout lane
- Pick up the tab for a soldier, police officer, or firefighter’s meal
- Donate money or items to charity
- Reach out to an ill or older relative or neighbor
- Teach your kids or grandkids a new skill
- Give a sincere compliment –a kind compliment can turn someone’s day around
- Share a smile – a smile is contagious and instantly brightens the recipient’s day. Plus, they usually can’t help but smile back! It costs nothing and reaps great rewards for all. You can’t really see a smile while wearing a mask, but you can see their smile in the person’s eyes.
Most of us have so much and it’s easy to take it all for granted. Spread the good cheer of this season and you’ll see that the person on the receiving end will more than likely repeat the act for someone else. This year, resolve to adopt an attitude of gratitude and decide how you will spread the gratitude to others.
Jodi Speicher
Sales and Marketing
