26Nov15 – As families prepare to chow down on turkey & fixings, watch football and prepare for Black Friday shopping madness, they may forget to reflect on the true meaning of the Thanksgiving holiday.

I’ve paraphrased an article about Thanksgiving, by Chris Tiegreen:

Thanksgiving is more than a day. It’s a lifestyle. So in honor of this week of turning our attention toward gratitude—and in hopes of it lasting much longer than a week—here are a few encouraging/inspiring/interesting thoughts I’ve picked up from wise people, published research, or simple observation.

• It’s often said that whatever you focus on grows larger. That’s true for fears, hopes, dreams, offenses—and blessings. Gratitude focuses so closely on the good that the bad can become almost unnoticeable.

• Gratitude shifts your perspective. It makes you realize the glass isn’t half-empty. In most cases, it’s actually more than 90 percent full. If you don’t think it is, you might need to focus more on what you’re thankful for.

• Thankfulness is healthy. People who are continually grateful are generally in better health than those who aren’t. Conversely, complaining (the opposite of thankfulness) is at least as unhealthy as having a poor diet. The difference in physical symptoms between thankful people and bitter people is startling.

• Thankfulness is a strong mood lifter. Sometimes simply stating your gratitude out loud—even just two or things you’re grateful for, no matter how small—can change your mood for the rest of the day.

• Gratitude is a powerful prayer. You get more from the Universe by thanking than by begging. And giving thanks in advance for something  promised but not yet given is a profound statement of faith.

• Thankfulness is an act of humility. You’re acknowledging that you’re not self-sufficient. You are a co -creator in this marvelous experience of your Life.

May you all appreciate your many blessings during this holiday season.

My best to with warm regards,

Jane