Thanksgiving is my favorite Holiday. I love the fact that we have a national holiday dedicated to giving thanks.
Gratitude makes us aware of how very important yet fragile our relationships are, both family and friends. We think about what we have and even if we are facing challenges, we’re somehow making it through. Gratitude. It is what humbles us and softens our hearts.
I often hear people say; “How can I possibly be happy when …(you fill in the blank)… is happening?” But true gratitude is a transformational state of being — a sacred practice that connects us to something greater than ourselves.
A SET POINT FOR HAPPINESS
I often speak about my belief that we all have a set point for receiving financial abundance. Like a thermostat set to 75 degrees, we have an internal thermostat set to the amount of money we believe we are worth and allowed to receive. If our set point is 75,000.00 a year no matter how much more or less money you make, at some future point, unless you have raised (or lowered) your mind’s thermostat you will likely return to receiving that amount of money. I know first- hand how true this is!
The same is true for our happiness. Abraham Lincoln accurately said: “Most People are as happy as they make up their mind to be.” If you survey your own life or the life of others, you’ll know this to be true. How many people do you know who, no matter what is happening in their life, overall, are unconditionally happy and despite any downturns, in a short time seem to pop up like a jack in the box, happy and smiling. At the other end of the happiness meter is the person who no matter what is happening in their lives, even if fantastical things, in short time default back to “Negative Nancy” talk. That’s the happiness meter.
But here’s the spectacular news! Did you know that you can raise your happiness meter with something called “gratitude?” Yep, Dr. Emmons – who is considered by many to be the world’s leading authority on gratitude – is author of the book, “Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier”.
Dr Emmons research indicates that people who practice gratitude tend to be more creative, bounce back more quickly from adversity, have a stronger immune system, and have stronger social relationships than those who don’t practice gratitude.
WHY THE WORLD NEEDS MORE GRATITUDE NOW
In a world that feels increasingly divided, chaotic, and uncertain… authentic soul offerings are medicine. We need more light-bearers. More quiet prayers. More fierce compassion. Your smallest act of generosity — whether it’s an encouraging word, a listening ear, a donation, or a heartfelt hug — becomes a ripple in the field of collective healing. Gratitude softens the armor. Giving reconnects us. This is how we change the world: one sacred offering at a time. Are you ready to truly live a grateful life? Not once in a while, but every day are you willing to open your heart to grace and gratitude? If you said yes, here are some suggestions.
GRATITUDE BEYOND THE TABLE
It’s easy to reduce Thanksgiving to food, fun and football. And while those are the typical expressions of coming together on Thanksgiving, they are not the essence.
THE GIFT OF OFFERING
There is a deep spiritual reward in becoming a vessel for giving. When you give from your heart — your time, presence, wisdom, or resources — you are honoring the divine exchange of energy. You’re acknowledging that what flows through you is not meant for hoarding, but for circulation.
You become a mirror of nature: generous, open, trusting. And in return, the Universe responds in kind. Gratitude, when rooted in the soul, becomes a living prayer.
It asks:
How can I serve?
How can I give thanks not only with my lips, but with my life?
How can I transform what I’ve been given into something that uplifts others?
Soul-level gratitude is an act of spiritual alchemy. It turns the ordinary into sacred. It turns the me into we.
GRATITUDE IN YOUR POCKET
Carry a physical token of gratitude in your pocket, such as a stone, crystal or some other small item. As you reach into your pocket throughout the day and feel the token, use it as a reminder to stop, breathe and take a moment to fully experience the emotion of gratitude.
PRAY GRATITUDE
Start your day by placing your hand on your heart and saying aloud: “Thank you for this day. May I walk through it with open eyes and a grateful heart.” It can be helpful to also make a mental or written list of all the many things and people, for which you are grateful. Add a prayer of love and healing to these individuals. If you commit to this daily ritual, you will be amazed at how you seem to attract more things for you to be grateful!
With Love and Gratitude,
Michele
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