5 Keys to a Thankful Thanksgiving

November 24, 2014

by Jim Rohn

If your home is like most, your Thanksgiving Day will be very busy, either traveling to the dinner destination or preparing your home for guests to spend the day. Neither option lends itself to preparing your heart to be reflective and thankful. Here are a few keys—that are simple and practical to apply—you can use in your quest for becoming more thankful this holiday season:

1. Time. Regularly set aside time to be quiet, to reflect. We live in the fastest paced time ever. From the moment we awake to the moment we collapse into bed, we have the opportunity to go at full speed and never slow down. If we schedule time every day to reflect, we will free up our hearts and minds from the tyranny of the urgent and rushed.

2. Thought. Give thought to the many blessings that you have. Living in a consumer culture, most of us are fully aware of what we do not have and how we absolutely must have "it"—whatever it is. But how often do we reflect upon that which we already have? Take some time each day to think of one or two things you have that you typically take for granted and then take a moment and give thanks for those gifts. 3. Generosity. Be generous toward those with less and not envious of those with more. We tend to look at others who may be wealthier than ourselves and think, “I sure wish I had what he has.” That kind of thinking breeds envy and jealousy rather than contentment. What can we do to break that cycle? I would suggest being generous to those who are less fortunate than yourself. Go work at a food bank. And not just during the holidays—everybody works there then—but on a regular basis during the year. That will remind you of how good you really have it. 4. Ask. The next time you are at lunch with a friend, ask them what they are most thankful for. You will be amazed at the answers you receive, and you will create a meaningful bond with your friends as you focus on this powerful question. 5. Acknowledge. Tell those you love how thankful you are for having them in your life. So many times we neglect to take time to craft words for expressing what our close ones and their presence in our lives really mean to us. Take Thanksgiving Day as an opportunity to write them a note or, sometime during the day, put your hand on their shoulder, look them in the eyes and tell them. Let them know what they mean to you, and in return you'll begin to create the possibility of deeper, richer, more fulfilling relationships with those you love. Happy Thanksgiving!