December of Gratitude

For those of you celebrating, I hope you were able to enjoy the American Thanksgiving holiday in a way that felt safe, comfortable and satisfying – even if it didn’t resemble past holidays.

Without question, this year has been challenging in quite an unrelenting way.

No doubt, it has tested us in ways we never expected. Yet behind these challenges is something more. It’s an invitation to be more than we are now.

I believe that throughout the year there are times, dates or seasons that invite more reflection.

The Thanksgiving holiday (celebrated by Americans) is one of those times.

In fact, you can consider it a “GratitudeGiving” holiday.

In the spirit of gratitude – and other values like it (e.g. compassion, generosity, kindness, love), I’m proposing we make December a month of gratitude and giving. I’ll likely start each day of the week in December with “Grati” as the lead.

Despite what each one of us has faced, I also think it’s important to end this challenging year with an optimistic attitude, with our thoughts on what we envision and our actions centered on what we want more of in our lives . . . even if it feels like you have to pretend and don’t yet fully believe it. For now, that’s totally okay.

I have a mentor that often says to give more of what you want in your life.
If you are up for a 31 day adventure in generosity, gratitude, kindness and love, here is what I am proposing.

1. For each numbered day of the week, I’d like you to engage in some expression or action that shows your gratitude, generosity, kindness and love to the people in your life. I want them to be able to be touched by the experience of your sharing. [Or it could be people you don’t know – especially if you engage in charitable giving or volunteer work.]

2. Day 1 would be 1 person and 1 expression or action. So, for today, December 1st, I want to let you know how meaningful it is to me that my work in the world supports and helps you. I am deeply touched and filled with immense gratitude for your interest in, involvement with and the sharing of my work.

3. Day 2 (December 2) would be 2 people, Day 3 would be 3 people and so on. On December 2, I’ll reach out to my siblings and let them know I love and appreciate them. Day 3, it will be 3 other people in my life.

4. Now, you can go back to the same people throughout the 31 days, except you have to say or do something different each time.

5. You could write thank you cards to people who have supported you throughout your life. You could make phone calls, or text, or facetime, or zoom. If it’s safe, you could do important chores for them, cook a meal, run errands, etc. Write a poem, sing a song, play a musical instrument, or paint something. Your creativity adds to the fun and experience.

6. The goal is for people to feel appreciated and “loved on”.

7. So, who in your life would you like to shower with gratitude, generosity, kindness and/or love?

8. Feel free to post what you are doing in the Life You Love Facebook Group or tag me on Instagram or Twitter with what you are doing. I’ll be inviting those who follow me on those platforms to do the same.

Here’s to GratiDecember. I hope you’ll join me.

Warmly,

Joan