gratitude

I can’t believe this will be the ninth Thanksgiving without my son here in the physical. This was always Jake’s favorite holiday and I have so many happy memories of Thanksgivings past that bring me joy. In order to get through the day, I try to remember to intentionally focus on what I am grateful for, rather than focus on what I am missing. Gratitude is a very big motivator for raising vibrations and promoting overall well being, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. When we can express thankfulness and appreciation for all the little things in our life, we can improve our state of mind and shift away from the feelings of sadness we may be feeling in our grief. Developing an attitude of gratitude is a very simple way to improve our overall satisfaction with life. So as the holidays approach, rather than focus on what is missing in your life, try shifting to the practice of gratitude for the things you do have in your life. These can be the small things that matter, like a warm bed to sleep in, or a hot cup of coffee, a good meal, a new friend, a secure job, a happy memory of holidays past or anything at all that simply brings you peace. By using the practice of gratitude, especially on a day like Thanksgiving that is all about giving thanks, you can perhaps be grateful for the ones you love and miss and remember them on this day with more love than pain.