Thanksgiving is right around the corner and while this western holiday it’s not commonly celebrated here in Shanghai, I believe we too can take the time to practice a little gratitude. 

Practicing gratitude is an integral part of my life (and organization philosophy) because it brings you a lot of positive changes and helps you notice the little wins that are all around. 

With this in mind, in this post I want us to explore the many benefits of a regular gratitude practice and share the top 5 things to be grateful for this Thanksgiving season. 

Why practicing gratitude is so powerful 

In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. 

In a constantly moving world, where you are busy almost 24/7, consciously cultivating an attitude of gratitude can help put you back in the driver’s seat of your life. Many of us feel that life often happens to us but with gratitude, we realize that in fact, life happens for us. 

Beyond that, practicing gratitude: 

• makes you happier and more optimistic 
• helps you cope with stress and trauma 
• makes you more generous and forgiving
• grounds you in the present moment 
• helps improve your relationships 
• enhances empathy and reduces feelings of anger 
• improves self-worth and self-esteem 

How to start practicing gratitude

You do not need much to cultivate more gratitude. You can start right now with where you are. I recommend getting yourself a new journal to write down what you are thankful for every day or every other day. 

Remember that this spiritual habit gains momentum over time and with practice. 

Set yourself in a comfortable space that makes you feel safe, open your new journal, and spend time recognizing, acknowledging, and appreciating all the good in your life. Take as much time as you need. 

5 Things to Be Grateful for This Thanksgiving

As a first-timer, you can either think of a million and one things you’re thankful for, or your mind can go blank. This is no cause for concern, and in time you will get better at recognizing the wins. 

To start you off, here are 5 wonderful things to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. Ponder these and add your own. 

Quality time with loved ones. 

Quality is more important than quantity, so appreciate even the short times you spend with those you love. 

Yourself 

Be thankful for who you are and how far you’ve come. Remind yourself of your own strengths and abilities. 

Your health 

It’s easy to forget how being in good health allows us to enjoy so many special moments in life. Take a moment to appreciate your health and vitality. 

Your children 

Many parents try so hard to get it right but I don’t believe there is such a thing as right or wrong parenting. Let us just be grateful for the opportunity to be our children’s parents. 

Your home 

Your home is your sanctuary and the place where so many of life’s most beautiful moments happen. Appreciate it and be thankful for the space in which you and your family grow together. 

I also want to add that I am personally so grateful for the community I have built with Bless the Mess. I love sharing my tips and inspiring others to better their lives through the practice of organization. 

Mess can be seen as such a negative word and by blessing it, we nurture each other’s experiences and spread inspiration and positive energy among the collective. 

After all, we’re all here to empower, care for and bless each other. 

Read more: The Practice of Letting Go

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MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US FOR MORE GOOD IDEAS

Instagram | Facebook | Little Red Book | Wechat

You can also contact me or subscribe to my newsletter here.

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