“Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.” – Randy Pausch

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and what better time to take time to be thankful for everything we have. Special parts of life like:

  • Traditions, new and old
  • Memories of family you have loved and lost
  • Pie for breakfast
  • The same old stories
  • Crunchy leaves under your feet

The Power of Writing

In 2006, my dear friend, and roommate at the time, Jackie, gave me a red bound journal with a note that said,

“May you find freedom in writing down your thoughts.”

Since then I’ve been journaling. And in the past year I’ve become more intentional with my practice, using it to remind myself of the beauty around me and finding freedom, enjoyment and reward.

No matter how I approach the journal, the process of listing the things I have to be thankful for relaxes me. I remember the good. I notice the small things.

Going through my journal I list big things that I’m grateful for like:

  • Time with my grandparents
  • Friendship with my parents
  • The love of my husband

But I also list small things like:

  • Homemade waffles
  • The kindness of strangers at the airport
  • My bed (this makes the list quite often)

The Gratitude Habit

I am a big fan of Leo Babuta and his Zen Habits. In one of his many posts on gratitude, The Transformative Power of The Gratitude Habit, he writes:

I’d like to make a small recommendation that could be powerful if you often forget to practice gratitude: start a small daily habit.

Just a few minutes per day of journaling, meditating on gratitude, or just thinking about what you’re grateful for in life. Do it every day, with a reminder, and see if it changes anything.

Don’t rush through it, don’t do it mindlessly, really try to feel gratitude for everything you list. Feel the amazingness of the things in your life.

I dare you to be complacent about life after doing that.

If you don’t already, try it this holiday season. Spend 5 minutes a day and see how your gratitude changes the holiday season, and your life.

Thank You, Readers

In the spirit of the season, I’d like to give a sincere thank you to each of you. Thank you for reading my writing, for your words of encouragement, and for sharing stories and inspiration. I appreciate each one of you.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? Leave a comment below.