141. A Gratitude Challenge for Thanksgiving: Expressing Appreciation in a Whole New Way

listen here

〰️

listen here 〰️

As we approach Thanksgiving, a week filled with gratitude, reflection, and turkey dinners, I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts on this special time of the year.

Now, I know many folks dive headfirst from Halloween into the festive jingles of Christmas, and if that brings you joy, that's fantastic! But for me, I savor the in-between, relishing the fall vibes before the winter wonderland takes over. Thanksgiving has become one of my favorite holidays, despite my less-than-enthusiastic history with Thanksgiving food.

Beyond the food and the gathering, what truly warms my heart during this time is the focus on gratitude. If you've been following the podcast, you know I'm a big advocate for gratitude. One episode that I absolutely loved was Episode 32 from 2021, featuring author Gina Hamady. She embarked on a journey to write 365 thank-you notes, a concept that might sound daunting, but her insights were incredible.

Expressing gratitude is a theme I keep coming back to because, let's be honest, it's easy to fall into the routine of listing off the same things every day. That's why I'm challenging myself, and you, to take it a step further. Let's find new and meaningful ways to express our gratitude, especially to those closest to us.

In particular, I'm talking about our core family—the people who are always at the top of our gratitude lists. Sure, we say, "I love you," and give hugs, but how often do we dive deeper into why we appreciate them? My challenge to you is to get specific. Write a handwritten note, expressing exactly what it is that you value in them.

For instance, if you have a son with a fantastic sense of humor, tell him how much you appreciate his ability to make people laugh. Acknowledge those little moments, like the hugs that radiate love, and specify why they mean so much to you. It's about going beyond the generic and making your gratitude more intentional.

Personally, as a words-of-affirmation enthusiast, I've discovered the power of praise. I love receiving it, and now, I make a conscious effort to extend that praise to others. It's a small shift, but it can make a significant difference in someone's day.

So, as Thanksgiving approaches, I invite you to join me in expressing gratitude in a different way. Take a moment to appreciate and express it with specificity. It doesn't have to be a daily ritual, but incorporating it more frequently can foster deeper connections and appreciation.

I hope you have an absolutely incredible Thanksgiving, whether you're hosting a feast or traveling to be with loved ones. And a special thank you to each one of you for supporting this podcast. Your messages about how the show has impacted you mean the world to me. Remember, your positive energy ripples into the world, and I am truly grateful for each and every one of you.

If you enjoyed today's episode, consider sharing it with someone who might love it too. And hey, leaving a review on iTunes is like sprinkling magic on the podcast—your support helps reach more amazing souls like you.

Let's connect on Instagram @positively.jessie. I'm looking forward to hanging out with you more. Until next time, have an amazing week, and Happy Thanksgiving!