Give Thanks!

Thanksgiving is a time to share with loved ones and reflect on what you are thankful for. The older I get, the less focus there is on the food and the more grateful I am for time spent with my family.

Last year, was one of the last times my entire family was together, sitting around one very long dinner table, sharing a meal with my Grandfather before he passed away. He sat at the head of the table and my littlest sisters, the youngest family members, Emma and Zoe together at the complete opposite end. In the middle was the rest of the cousins, aunts, and uncles…the entire table representing the ages and stages of life.

The truth is, we are lucky if we make it to 90 years. There is no guarantee for anyone that day will come. As I think back to this memory, it is easy to recognize how important it is to be present… To pause and appreciate just how blessed you are. To focus on all that you have, rather than what you don’t.

This Holiday, disconnect from what does not matter and focus on what does! Write a list of all that you are thankful for, tell everyone in your life how much you love them, and go the extra mile for someone. This Holiday is for GIVING and SHARING. Think less about you and your needs and more about others.

“Our body is really a product of our thoughts. We’re beginning to understand in medical science the degree to which the nature of thoughts and emotions actually determines the physical substance and structure and function of our bodies.” -Dr. John Hagelin, Quantum Physicist and Public Policy Expert

As a Health Coach, you likely want me to write a Blog about food or healthy recipes… The truth is, a grateful, thankful heart is the foundation for living a healthy life and feeling your best….Love should be infused in all situations and as the anecdote to any ailment, to help resolve any issue or achieve any goal. Positive thoughts and love is what should be filling you up and fueling you, especially during this Holiday.

A healthy, happy life starts with a thankful and grateful mindset. We are all programmed to “live life to the fullest,” work hard and grind. The “American Dream” is to do it all and have it all… We live in a fast paced world that never sleeps and many people get caught up with a “me-me-me” attitude. Use the Holiday to focus on others, and as a time to slow down and reconnect with what is truly important; family, friends, loved ones and making memories to last a lifetime!

Sometimes people are battling through difficult circumstances or grieving from a terrible situation. Sometimes you are positive and do your best but other people take their negativity out on you and bring you down…No matter what circumstance you find yourself in, always CHOOSE to see the situation differently. Recognize you cannot think negatively when you are thinking positive thoughts… Choose to come from a loving place!

Write a list of everything, and everyone, you are thankful for. Focus on the things you have, rather than what you don’t (a lack mentality will only create more lack). Happier thoughts lead to a happier biochemistry. A happier, healthier body!

You may have seen commercials or advertisements for the upcoming “live” television event, “Peter Pan.” Think back to this classic story…Peter had Wendy and Michael “think happy thoughts to fly”…They also used positive, happy thoughts to bring Tinkerbell back to life after drinking poison. “I do believe in fairies” they all recite happily and with positive intention. It’s no wonder this story is coming to life around the Holidays. Beautiful messages for you and your children to think about and apply, especially during the holiday season!

Go around the table and have everyone say what they are thankful for…Or create place card settings at the dinner table with inspirational, positive quotes. These loving vibes will be felt and will act as a catalyst for a wonderful, joyous table and Thanksgiving dinner.