November is here! November marks the changing of seasons and reminds us that Christmas and the New Year are just right around the corner. November also brings one of my favorite holidays. Thanksgiving is special to me because it brings family and friends together. It’s also a time that I’m reminded to reflect on what I’m thankful for. In this day in age it’s not hard to find plenty of things to be negative, angry, and frustrated about. All you have to do is watch the news or even interact with others to realize there is a lack of positivity and gratitude in our world today. What I’ve come to learn is that having a heart of gratitude doesn’t come naturally. It takes a consistent daily effort, but it’s an effort that’s so worth it. In my experience, the more I focus on what I’m thankful for, the more I position my heart to experience more joy and fulfillment. There is an ancient proverb that states “Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life”. When I think about a wellspring I think of clean, fresh, cool water that brings life to everything and everyone around it. Think of an oasis in the desert. In the same way, your heart can bring life to yourself and those around you when it’s filled with gratitude and joy.

One of the simple ways I practice this is by each day writing down 3 things I’m thankful for. Could be my health, my family, or even a challenge I’m going through that’s helping me grow and learn. In some cases, the challenges and hardships that we experience are completely out of our control. The only thing we have control over is our response and whether we will feed our wellspring with Gratitude and Love. I can promise you it beats the alternative. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!