Happy Thanksgiving!  Are you feeling thankful today?  Are you sharing that gratefulness with others?  

1 Chronicles 16:34 reminds us…
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”Thanksgiving comes but once a year… but did you know that adopting a consistent ‘attitude of gratitude’ can be extremely beneficial for your health??  Thankfulness actually reduces stress, promotes a healthy sleep cycle, lowers risks for various diseases, improves your relationships with others, and helps you enjoy all that you have!  But how exactly do you develop a thankful mindset that you can maintain all year long?  Here are my top 5 tips:

1. Count your blessings.  A classic way to feel more grateful is to think about the ‘blessings’ in your life.  Stop focusing on what you don’t have and make a list of all the things you DO have!  Family, friends, your health, food to eat, a place to sleep, clothes to wear, etc.  It’s hard not to be grateful when you’re remembering all the ‘good’ in your life.
2. Keep a Gratitude Journal.  Why not write it down?  Sometimes, you can overlook or forget about the ‘good’ in your life.  Maybe you’re dealing with difficult circumstances, difficult people, or difficult decisions.  Write down the good things, the happy memories, the wonderful friends and family, the incredible gifts God has given you.  Then look back and reflect, remember, and be thankful.
3. Pay it forward.  Sometimes the best way to be thankful is to bless others who aren’t so fortunate.  Help out in your local soup kitchen, babysit for a busy mom in your church, donate some of the clothes you never wear to those in need.  Helping others promotes gratitude and thankfulness in your own heart.  You’ll never regret blessing others!
4. Be optimistic.  Look at the challenges you’re facing as ‘opportunities, not obstacles’.  Change can be good and overcoming hardships can be rewarding.  Look forward to what lies ahead and don’t dwell on what’s in the past.  It can help change your perspective and how you approach life.  There’s nothing like a thankful heart!
5. Thank God for all your blessings!  When someone gives you a gift, you’ve always been taught to say ‘Thank You’.  Be sure to send a note or make a phone call.  Well, don’t forget to do theses things, and also be sure to thank the Lord!!

I hope that you have a great Thanksgiving filled with fun festivities, fantastic food, and fellowship with family and friends!  Happy Thanksgiving!