This year has flown by, kings. With Thanksgiving less than a week away, you may find yourself reflecting on the last few months and feeling a little extra grateful. This time of year serves as a reminder to embrace those feelings and spread thanks with our loved ones. Gratitude has the ability to transform our lives for the better. Our thoughts go hand-in-hand with our actions. When our head is in a positive place, we want to share that energy. On the other side, when we’re drowning in negativity, we tend to hit shut down mode. Today, let’s discuss the power of gratitude and ways to incorporate it into your everyday life: 

Gratitude Journal 

Take a moment everyday, morning or night, to journal for just five minutes. It can be a physical notebook or an app on your phone – whatever works for you. Jot down three things that you are grateful for; it could be a simple cup of coffee or a good meal. When we’re having a bad day, it’s easy to feed off the negative energy and dwell on what’s going wrong. This gratitude practice allows you to flip the script and switch to an abundance mindset. 

Share Your Gratitude 

Think about the people in your life who consistently go out of their way to help you out. Acknowledge their efforts with a “thank you” or by reciprocating their energy to show your appreciation. Sharing your gratitude will deepen your relationships and bonds. This might create a ripple effect and inspire others to do the same. Let’s use our words for good and uplift those around us. 

Give Back to the Community 

It’s so easy to become consumed with the “haves” and “have nots” in our life. Rather than dwelling on the “have nots,” focus your efforts on giving back to the community. Not only is volunteering an act of kindness, but it also allows you to gain a different perspective on the world. Choose an organization that will leave you feeling fulfilled – whether it’s a food bank or a youth club. Your actions could create positive change in someone’s life. 

What You Can Do This Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, let’s encourage each member at the table to share a story about a time where they felt grateful. This sets a positive tone for the meal and gets deep, meaningful conversations going. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to get swept up and forget what the day is truly about. When you’re at the dinner table, remember to stay present and be mindful. Be sure to take the time to appreciate each dish on your plate. 

Expressing our gratitude as men in a world of toxic masculinity isn’t always easy, but these practices help break the barrier and inspire others with your actions. Incorporating daily gratitude into our lives is essential to personal growth. Spreading gratitude doesn’t have to include fancy, grand gestures; it’s the small moments that truly matter. Have a happy Thanksgiving, kings!