My sister Amy has been posting about Attitude of Gratitude on Facebook. It got me thinking…

While Thanksgiving Day may be the day when we serve up large portions of turkey and pumpkin pie, we should also consider serving up hefty portions of gratitude.

Even though we live in the wealthiest country in the world, there are many who are frustrated with life because they never seem to be able to get the things that they want. Is that how you feel…..stressed out and unfulfilled? What would it take for you to feel happy? We all have different ideas about what it takes for us to feel accomplished or at least feel that we are making progress towards our goals. However, I have discovered that one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal is to be thankful – to have an attitude of gratitude.

Gratitude is much more than just saying thanks. It is a state of being that appreciates all that is good and welcomed in our life. It is expressing appreciation for each new day, for life, for each other. It is cherishing the gifts we have been given; being thankful for nature and the Earth, for humankind and for those who are closest to us – our parents, partners and children.

Students of the law of attraction explain that gratitude can put you in alignment with your deepest desires. Being grateful for what is, including areas in which you feel you are lacking or you have a sense of loss, empowers you as a force of attraction. Feeling grateful despite feelings of loss or lack in your life helps you to understand and appreciate the blessings and the abundance that surrounds you.

That’s what the Pilgrims demonstrated in that first Thanksgiving.

Today, we live in a culture that sends a very loud and clear message: “More is better!” As a result, people tend to take things for granted. In their pursuit of happiness, they spend much of their time sulking about things they desired or thought they deserved but did not get and bemoaning how difficult it is for them to reach their goals.

Now, I am by no means suggesting that you should settle for a mediocre life. On the contrary, I place a very high value on achievement. What I am suggesting is that you spend less time brooding over your misfortunes and invest more time reflecting on the abundance in your life. Such a habit will help you to develop a keener sense of awareness of how fortunate you are and the tremendous blessings you enjoy.

Undoubtedly, this is not an easy proposition especially when you consider the tough economic environment we have been experiencing over the last few years. Certainly, losing your job or watching your home being destroyed by a natural disaster is hardly a joyous occasion. Nonetheless, I contend that even during these trying times, one can still find reasons to express gratitude.

I believe that is what Thanksgiving is about – the depth of gratitude you feel for the goodness and blessings in your life despite the adversity and challenges you are facing.

As such, let us be mindful not only to be thankful on this one day in November but on every other day of the year.