It’s my
favorite time of year, the holiday season. I especially love Thanksgiving. The
very foundation of the holiday is a concept rooted in gratitude and giving
back. It’s a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy the bounty of the earth and
open our hearts to all the gifts we have been given!

Studies show we
are happier, healthier (less heart disease, stress related disorders) and
heartier (we actually live longer) and are more resilient when we focus on the
plusses not the negatives in life.

The holiday
season reminds us to slow down the pace a bit and just Be. Yes, I know, it’s
not easy to let go of our daily stresses, and it’s true that there is a very
long list of things to do.  But, when we
think of the bounty we have in our children, our families and our friends, the
rest can wait.

Happiness seems
to be a rare quality these days. But maybe it’s because thankfulness is rare
too. Taking a moment from
your day to remember why you are thankful can make you feel more complete. By
focusing on being grateful for what we have, we can retrain our minds and feel
more satisfied in our daily lives. Being thankful can help you live a life with
a lot more appreciation and mindfulness.