Giving Thanks with a Grateful Heart

When I moved from the UK to Connecticut, I was at first confused by Thanksgiving. But as I experienced it and learned the history of this very American holiday, I embraced it and it is now my favorite. It is a time of celebration of family and of gratitude, without the stress and emotional roller-coaster of gift giving. Sadly, the spirit of Thanksgiving is quickly replaced by the spirit of mass consumerism, of craving "stuff" and saving money. This saddens me because what people really desire, deep down, is usually not more belongings. My research and that of many others shows that what people really want is to FEEL good, to experience feelings of balance, peace, joy, love, connection, certainty, excitement, adventure, growth and meaning.

My latest episode of The Busy Mom Show, provides a perfect antidote to this Black Friday craziness. I interview Life Coach, Sherry Richert Belul who's project The New Black Friday, guides us to return to the true spirit of Thanksgiving and giving meaningful gifts to our loved ones. Sherry's concept is that instead of shopping on Black Friday... create love lists, for your loved ones. A love list is a written list, of all the reasons you love them and how much we enjoy being around them. Can you imagine receiving a "love list" instead of a pair of socks or a badly knitted sweater, this holiday season! To watch the show visit: http://thebusymomshow.com/guest-sherry-richert-belul-the-new-black-friday/

Ideas for creating a meaningful Thanksgiving and Black Friday:

  • Get clear about what Thanksgiving really means to you and your family, and try and maintain this spirit.

  • Practice gratitude, whether this is through journaling, family prayer, or a round table expression of gratitude during Thanksgiving dinner. Practicing gratitude is good for your brain, according to the prominent psychiatrist Dr Daniel Amen.

  • Spend some time connecting with your loved ones and doing something creative, fun, energetic or memorable.

  • Make a list of loved ones you have not connected with for some time and reach out to them.

  • Create a love list, for those special people in your life.

  • If you are starting your holiday shopping, think outside the box and try and think about what your loved ones, really want. Consider gifts that are experiences, rather than physical.

So here's to having a wonderful Thanksgiving and Holiday season, abundant in all the things you really desire!

To learn more ideas on how to improve your health, happiness, success and abundance and help your whole family thrive please subscribe to my blog or visit: www.drleonaurarhodes.com

As always, I’d love to hear your comments and feedback below.

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Submitted by Brookfield, CT

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