Gratitude on Thanksgiving Day

Thinking about what topic to use for a Thanksgiving Day post, Thursday is the day we regularly post, Gratitude came to mind. Later that day upon opening emails the perfect post came in. Here it is, said as well or better than I could have, by Tony Robbins. Enjoy reading Tony’s thoughts as much as I have.

“Thanksgiving is a cherished time for us to slow down, get present to the moment, and reflect on the people, places, memories, and magic moments that make life itself so special. We come together with our family and friends to share in the spirit of gratitude.

Often around the table we ask:

What are you grateful for?

It’s such a powerful question.

I invite you to take a moment with me to consider all the things in your life — big and seemingly small — that you could be grateful for. After all, it’s what the season is all about. And just by focusing our awareness on appreciation, we uncover even more of the miracle it is to be alive.

Gratitude is the antidote to anger — you can’t be grateful and angry at the same time. So as you spend time with those dear to you this week just notice all there is to appreciate. What could you choose to be happy about? Who could you say ‘thank you’ to this year?

What if we chose to be grateful for the gifts, the challenges — all that life offers us. What if we took on the belief that everything in life is happening for us, and it all serves our growth and evolution?

When we view our lives through the lens of gratitude and appreciation we experience a level of freedom and fulfillment like never before. Sometimes in life it’s when we lose one of our blessings — our health, our mobility, a loved one, a job, a friend — that we put aside our grumblings and gain a true appreciation for all the gifts that grace our lives.

So let’s choose gratitude this Thanksgiving. Share with those you love and the people around you what they mean to you. Thank them with simple kindness and voice your appreciation. Send a note, share a smile even if it’s with a stranger. You might even consider offering a prayer — you don’t have to be religious or spiritual to do it. The most powerful prayer I know is simply: thank you.

Yours in deep thanks and gratitude,”

Tony Robbins