November naturally draws our hearts and minds towards Thanksgiving. While the holiday itself may be just one day, the mindset it represents — gratitude — has the power to shape our entire season and even the year ahead. Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you” at the dinner table; it’s a perspective that transforms how we see ourselves, our relationships, and the communities we are part of. Actor and comedian Will Arnett says it best, “I am happy because I am grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.” This month, let’s take a step back and consider gratitude from a broader perspective, and then break it down into specific, everyday ways we can embody it. Over the course of November, we will be exploring the mindset of observing and acknowledging gratitude in its many forms and ways.
November 11th-Everyday gratitude: finding the joy in the small things
Gratitude doesn’t require grand gestures. It’s found in the small, often overlooked details of our lives. Practicing gratitude daily —whether by keeping a journal or sharing one thing you’re grateful for. Often in our lives, we hardly ever get to stop at the end of each day or take moments to stop and breathe. reflecting on how grateful you are for people, situations, and blessings in your life. It helps shift our focus from what we lack to what we have. Over time, this small habit fosters a mindset of peace and abundance, rather than one of scarcity and worry.
November 18th -The ripple effect of gratitude
Gratitude doesn’t stop with us- it spreads. When we express genuine appreciation to others, whether that’s thanking a coworker for their effort, showing affection to a family member for being part of your life, complimenting a friend, or simply showing kindness to a stranger, it creates a ripple effect. People who feel valued often pay it forward, continuing the cycle of encouragement and positivity. Studies have shown that being grateful can lead to feeling better and having a more positive impact on others. Imagine what could happen in your workplace, or neighborhood, among your friendships, and even in your family if gratitude became the default response. Feeling seen and acknowledged by someone can be the spark that lifts someone’s day or even creates a chain reaction.
November 25th Gratitude in the community: giving back
Thanksgiving also reminds us that being grateful and generosity go hand in hand. When we recognize how much we have been blessed, we realize we have an opportunity to bless others. This may look like volunteering at a food bank, supporting local businesses during the holiday season by shopping small and local, donating to a good cause (which can be your money or your time), or simply checking in on people who may be having a rough time. Gratitude grows deeper when shared, and acts of kindness strengthen bonds within our communities.
As we move through November, let’s carry thanksgiving beyond the table. By practicing gratitude in small, everyday moments and letting it ripple into our relationships and communities, we can turn gratitude into more than just a holiday tradition; it becomes a way of life.