Healthy Chicks

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Thankfulness. Now, what exactly does that mean? Some of us give thanks before a dinner with our families, and we say thank you every day to the Starbucks barista, but what exactly do those words mean? According to Dictionary.com, thankful is defined as feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative. But I see it as much more than that. If you ask me, it comes from the heart and is the utmost sign of love & giving. If you share your thanks, it’s only natural that good Karma will come back your way.

Take this for example. Two years ago during Lent, I sent out one email a day for 40 days to a person I loved and was thankful for – everyone from cousins to grandparents, new friends to old friends. The results amazed me! Nearly all 40 people emailed or called me back, thanking me for turning a bad day around and ultimately making their day/week/month. How incredible is it that a few simple words of kindness can completely turn someone else’s day around? How a simple gesture of gratitude can make someone smile, even if just for a few minutes?

Now, why is it that sharing our thanks often only comes once a year? Yes, Thanksgiving is a day dedicated to family, friends, and being thankful for what we have. But what if we were thankful for something every day, 365 days a year? Now that’d be something!

And it doesn’t even have to be someone you are thankful for; it could be something. Be thankful for your strong thighs that enable you to run marathons, crossing the finish line with pride. Be thankful for your best friend being there on the phone when you need her most, and for the way dark chocolate makes everything better. Be thankful for your boyfriend’s bear hugs, and your mom’s homemade lasagna. Oh, and don’t just be thankful; SPREAD IT LOUD AND CLEAR. Tell your parents every day how much they mean to you / thank the woman who makes your coffee every morning / kiss your boyfriend goodnight (even if you’re in a fight). Now that’s showing thanks.

What are you thankful for this season? What are some ways you could improve in sharing your thanks?