Stay Connected

At the cooking demonstration last Monday, I was asked what foods I should eat during Thanksgiving. My answer is simple – foods that you enjoy. Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, and good food. It is only one day out of 365 days. If this is the only day you splurge, and you eat a well-balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, and exercise on the other 364 days, then you are doing well. You will be on your way to a healthier you. Plus, Thanksgiving reminds us of that powerful drug that is good for our health – GRATITUDE.

Although this was mentioned last year, it is worth repeating. Gratitude has so many benefits. Gratitude helps you relax, reduces stress, improves sleep, reduces depression, and encourages exercise. Gratitude is good for your health and boosts your immune system. 

To get the full benefit, there must be action behind the Gratitude. Here are some fantastic gratitude exercises:

1. Get a small notebook and write three things that you are grateful for each evening before you go to bed, and when you awake in the morning, you can review what you have written. Try this for at least 30 days. You should see a difference in yourself in just one week.
2. Find 2 – 3 people, text each other three things you are grateful for, and do this for 30 days. You cannot repeat. Yes, that would mean you would have found 90 things you are thankful for in your life in one month. This works well with at least three people in the texting group and having an end time in the evening when you cannot text. I would suggest 9:00 PM as that time.
3. Send thank you notes to people who have made you who you are today—your ‘personal’ influencers. The person sending the letter and the person receiving the letter both benefit. Try sending a note once a week for the next four weeks.  
4. Take a picture of something you are grateful for each day for the next 30 days. Add it to a unique “gratitude album” on your phone,” and notice the beauty around you.
5. Fill up a gratitude jar or vase – Find an empty jar or vase, and each day, write down what you are grateful for, fold the piece of paper, and drop it in the jar. Watch the jar fill up.

There are various ways to express Gratitude. Find what works for you. Not only is expressing Gratitude great for your health, but you will find that it is the love song to your soul.

May you and all who hold your affection have a Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy all the great food.