5 Ways to Practice Gratitude on Thanksgiving

We have all felt it, we all know how to do it, but what is gratitude really all about? Gratitude is the act of feeling + communicating appreciation for people, things, and experiences in your life. The Gratefulness mindset actually helps you access more positive vibrations within you and it is this mindset that can create a more positive mood in your life!

In your spiritual practice, an example of gratitude can look like when you are expressing gratitude to Mother Earth for hosting and growing our food. It can also be when you are expressing gratitude to someone who took a moment to make you feel special. Gratitude can also look like recognizing the things that come naturally to you, when you realize that these things are gifts, and you share some gratitude for being the carrier of such a gift, you will get this positive boost!

When we praise, celebrate, and offer gratitude, we enter into a direct contact with the Divine. This gratitude mindset is known to increase the feeling of the Divine in your life and heart.

Here are 5 ways that you can practice gratitude this upcoming Holiday Weekend.

5 Ways to Practice Gratitude

The following 5 tips to practice gratitude may seem super simple at first glance. And they are. I have found over the years, the more simple the technique the more success people have over time. As you read these really let them sink in, and then give one or all five a try.

1. Begin Your Day with Gratitude.

Instead of reaching for your phone right when you wake up, take a minute to first express gratitude.  List out 3 things you are grateful for on the inside of your life, and 3 things you are grateful on the outside of your life. Try to do this exercise every day for the next week, and see how your mindset shifts! This will start your day on a positive note, and with this positivity, you can then set your intention for your day with a grateful heart. 

2. Recognize Your Blessings.

We have so much in our world that continues to bless us. These blessings go way beyond just things. The blessings are with people, opportunities and spiritual gifts. Take a moment to really recognize how you have been blessed. This will increase the positive vibrations moving through you, and in turn put you in a positive mood, which leads to positive actions.

3. Know What Brings You Joy. 

Are you in touch with what you love? This is a jump starter to helping you feel connected and grateful. When you know what lights you up, you enter the state of joy, which is a super close vibration to the Divine. This focus on what brings you joy, helps you find more of it, and now you are manifesting more joy in your life, and that feels amazing! It is quite simple, follow what feels good to you, and fill your heart by connecting to your interests and passions. Do one simple thing everyday that lights up your joy and then remember to practice gratitude for that joy!

4. Share Your Gratitude.

If you are having dinner with Family and Friends during the holiday season, or on Thanksgiving for those in the US, ask the host if they would be open to going around the table and having everyone say one thing they are truly grateful for this year. This is always an interesting way to get to know more about your friends and family. This type of sharing puts everyone's mind frame in the direction of gratitude, rather than on polarizing topics and will ignite the vibe of gratitude moving around the table.

5. Celebrate Your Wins. 

Find your inner cheerleader and begin to look for what is working in your life.  Take note on a daily basis what was a "win" for the day.  Then share some inward gratitude with yourself for this win/ blessing / gift. This list will add up over time. I have actually encouraged clients and students to keep a "win journal" to list all the wins that happened in a year, so they can review this at the end of the year and see all that they have accomplished!

And because I am so thankful for you being here, I want to share one of my free resources with you that can help you get even more positive vibes flowing. Here is my affirmation album, you can listen here for free. This is a great way to get your mind pointed in a positive direction, which will naturally lead you into a more grateful headspace!

Gratitude is direct contact with the Divine.

Just remember, when we praise, celebrate, and offer gratitude, we enter into a direct contact with the Divine. This grateful mindset is known to increase the feeling of the Divine in your life and heart.

Happy thanksgiving! I just want to say that starting your day with a Sacred Morning will allow you to quiet your mind so you can hear the subtle voice of the Divine. It is a space to fall in love with your magnificence, Awaken your Self-Love, and Ignite your Divine Energy. Get my recipe here for instructions on how to create your own Sacred Morning and begin to change your world.

By Sophie Frabotta, MA

Author, Certified Spiritual Life Coach, Healer

Hi! I am Sophie Frabotta, The Soul Whisperer, author, Spiritual Guide + Mentor and the founder of the Awaken Collective. I help YOU to step into your heart and turn your wounds into freedom! I don't just teach you about this spiritual healing work, I teach you HOW to deeply heal the root wounds that have been holding you back, so that you can finally experience this inner freedom that only comes from doing this spiritual healing work. My programs will help you to move far beyond where you are now and wake up a part of yourself you have been dreaming to become. Your time is now!