Gratitude-giving

Gratitude.

It’s such a powerful word. (n.) The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

It’s so easy to get caught up in daily life. To, in a sense, grow accustomed to so many things we are fortunate to have – food, shelter, clean water, transportation, friends, family, travel…health. It’s not hard to find yourself in a space where you unknowingly take for granted all of these “normal things” that can seem promised. But on this day, a day of Thanksgiving, I want to find myself in a place of Gratitude-giving. Because I know how precious these resources really are, and none of them are promised. Ever. When human nature takes over, as it so often does, and we find ourselves thinking of all the things we could be doing better, the things we could have, the places we could go, the things others are doing on Facebook that we aren’t…all of the “wants”, and “have nots”, and “should be’s”, and comparisons…I find that it’s always sweet gratitude that brings perspective, re-centers the heart, and restores thankfulness.

So on this day, whether it’s 5 minutes or 5 seconds that I am able to slip away, I will make sure I not only count my blessings that are more numbered than I deserve, but that I give gratitude for each and every second I get to spend breathing in this life, looking on the bright side, appreciating the positive and the plentiful. That I give thanks and express gratitude for all of the wonderful moments this year that have afforded me the life centering, “turn off the noise, THIS is really what matters” kind of perspective that genuine heartfelt gratitude brings.  Here’s wishing you lots of love and piles of gratitude this Thanksgiving Day! (And maybe a little turkey and stuffing too!).

PS. THIS is awesome for gratitude! And so is THIS.

Heartfelt thanks to Marta Locklear Photography for this beautiful picture of the little one.