Thanksgiving and Everyday Gratitude
As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to take a moment to reach out from the heart. In the midst of this fast-paced, beautiful life, I hope this week brings you a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters. For me, Thanksgiving is an invitation to slow down and reflect on the gifts in my life—the big ones, the small ones, and everything in between. It’s a time to simply be still and take in the blessings that surround us.
I know this holiday holds different meanings for everyone. For some, it’s a time of joyful connection with loved ones. For others, it may stir feelings of loneliness or highlight complex family dynamics. Wherever you find yourself this week, I invite you to see Thanksgiving as an opportunity—a moment to land and deepen your practice of gratitude.
What does Gratitude REALLY mean?...
Gratitude is more than a polite “thank you” or a quick list of things we appreciate. It’s about tuning into the energy of BEING grateful -- the warmth, kindness, and connection it creates. When we express gratitude, it generates a vibration that ripples outward, shifting the tone of a room, or even transforming even a challenging situation into one of possibility. This energy, alive in the act of gratitude, has the power to uplift moments and bring light to people and places we might not expect.
This week, may you find time to restore, fill up on the energy of gratitude, and allow the spirit of Thanksgiving to guide your heart and light your way.
How to Cultivate Gratitude
To move beyond the mind and embody gratitude, try this simple exercise:
Visualize What you're Grateful For: Close your eyes and name the things you’re grateful for: your home, relationships, work, health, or even clean water, air, nature, beauty around you or the simple joys that brighten your day, like a good cup of coffee or tea.
Feel It Fully: Let the sensation of gratitude fill your body, noticing how it elevates your heart and spirit. Stay with this feeling, allowing it to fill your body and entire field. Use gratitude energy to literally fill your tank, adding to places in your body you feel stress or discomfort.
Hold and Share: As you carry this state within yourself, see your own personal force field of gratitude held in your heart and in your field. Carry this and share it outward in your interactions, words, and actions. Notice a difference in your experience both internally, and the quality of your interactions.
Set an Intention: Another way to foster gratitude is to set an intention. For example, an intention could be to experience joy, peace, harmony, love, or some other experience. Put this energy into your field and share as well by both embodying this state and sharing it out.
Practicing Gratitude at Thanksgiving
Whether you’re gathered with loved ones, enjoying delicious food, or engaging in meaningful conversations, Thanksgiving can spark a range of emotions.
Use your gratitude practice to ground yourself:
Pause and reflect on the people and moments that make up your holiday.
Replace challenging emotions with the gratitude you’ve cultivated, shifting your experience from potential reaction to one of positivity and connection. Remember your intention.
Be patient—with yourself and others. Gratitude, like any practice, takes grace and forgiveness.
Thanksgiving Gratitude Practices to share with Family and Friends
Looking to inspire gratitude around your Thanksgiving table? Here are six simple ways to make gratitude the centerpiece of your celebration:
Gratitude Roundtable: Before the meal, invite each person to share one thing they’re grateful for this year. This simple act uplifts the energy of the gathering—and even makes the food taste better!
Gratitude Walk: Take a walk together, encouraging everyone to reflect on what they’re thankful for. Share your insights afterward to deepen the connection.
Thank You Notes: Provide note cards for guests to write heartfelt “thank you” messages to someone who has made a difference in their lives.
Letter to Self: Encourage each person to write a gratitude letter to themselves, celebrating their growth and strengths. Self-appreciation is a powerful foundation for receiving abundance.
Gratitude Journals: Gift each guest a journal. Start by having everyone write their name on the first page and pass it around the table, allowing others to write what they appreciate about them. These journals will become cherished keepsakes.
Place Cards with Gratitude Quotes: Use inspirational quotes as place cards. Here are two to get you started: “It is impossible to feel grateful & depressed in the same moment.” ~ Naomi Williams - “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” ~ Marcel Proust
Thank you! We have Grateful Hearts.
At Cofinity, we are deeply thankful for you—our clients and community—for trusting us and inspiring us every day. Gratitude fuels our purpose, and we are honored to walk this journey with you.
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and gratitude-filled holiday season,
The Cofinity Team