Norton: Thanksgiving and gratitude
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us naturally pause to reflect on the blessings in our lives. Gratitude is woven into the fabric of this season, encouraging us to appreciate what we have and acknowledge those who have touched our lives. Yet, while the act of giving thanks often peaks during this time, it’s worth asking ourselves: How can we make gratitude a constant presence in our lives rather than a fleeting seasonal habit?
Gratitude is one of the most profound human emotions. It centers us, helps us find perspective, and enriches our relationships. Over the years, I’ve written extensively about the importance of gratitude, and readers’ feedback has consistently affirmed its transformative power. Many have shared how focusing on gratitude has helped them navigate challenges and embrace the beauty in their everyday lives.
This feedback underscores a truth I’ve observed time and again: Gratitude is a gateway to peace and contentment. However, gratitude is more than an individual feeling, it is deeply interconnected with other values that shape how we live and interact with the world.
Gratitude has a ripple effect. When practiced intentionally, gratitude often reveals itself through other traits, such as gentleness, kindness, grace, peace and compassion. Gratitude is not an isolated act; it creates a ripple effect that touches every aspect of our lives.
Think about a time when you felt truly grateful. Perhaps it was a quiet moment with a loved one, a gesture of unexpected kindness, or a personal achievement after significant effort. Chances are, that sense of gratitude was accompanied by a softer heart, a kinder word, or a more patient perspective. The more we cultivate gratitude, the more these qualities naturally emerge in our behavior, deepening our relationships and strengthening our character.
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And here’s the beauty: the more we embody gentleness, kindness, and grace, the more gratitude we tend to feel. It’s a virtuous cycle, a self-sustaining loop in which gratitude fuels peace and peace fuels gratitude.
We must guard against fleeting gratitude. As much as gratitude has the power to transform, it can also be fleeting if we’re not careful. How often do we express thanks in a moment, only to let the feeling fade when life’s challenges resurface? True peace and contentment require us to anchor gratitude as a daily habit, not just a passing thought.
One way to do this is to cultivate mindfulness and pay attention to the small blessings that surround us each day. Whether it’s the warmth of the sun, the sound of laughter, or the steady rhythm of our breath, these moments of awareness can ground us in appreciation.
Another powerful practice is expressing gratitude outwardly. Take time to tell someone how much they mean to you. Write a note, send a text, or say the words face-to-face. These acts of acknowledgment deepen your sense of gratitude and strengthen your connection with others.
At its core, gratitude has the power to bring us peace. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, we shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. This shift helps us let go of comparison, fear and frustration, creating space for contentment to grow.
Contentment doesn’t mean complacency; it means finding joy in the present while still striving for our goals. Gratitude anchors us in the here and now, reminding us that even amidst life’s challenges, there is always something to be thankful for.
As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, let’s embrace the spirit of gratitude for a day and as a way of life. Let’s recognize the values it cultivates within us and the peace it brings to our hearts.
When we live with gratitude, we find that it doesn’t just enrich our own lives, it radiates outward, touching the people and the world around us. In that shared thankfulness, we discover a deeper connection, greater contentment, and lasting peace.
So, this Thanksgiving, let’s give thanks. But more importantly, let’s carry that gratitude forward, letting it shape who we are and how we live every day. I would love to hear your story of gratitude at gotonorton@gmail.com and when we can anchor our lives in being truly thankful, it really will be a better-than-good life.
Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager, and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
