One of the best parts of the holiday season is the communal effort that is made towards expressing appreciation and showing others we care. Whether through time spent together, gifts, kind thoughts, or more, showing gratitude for the people, experiences, and opportunities that have gotten us where we are today is the best way to keep a positive perspective when life gets tough. It can be easy to focus on what we don’t have, when in reality, we’ve been given so much. It’s all about the bigger picture.

Let’s discuss how you can have a grateful heart this holiday season.

Remember Where You’ve Been

When looking for ways to increase your gratitude, you should start with remembering where you’ve been in comparison to where you are now. Did you come from a household where you were the first child to go to college, and now your child is wrapping up their first semester? That’s amazing! Did you experience some sort of health scare and have since turned it around? Congratulations!

 

Remember the tough moments gives you the realization that you’ve experienced challenges, or were able to avoid challenges, that got you to where you are now. You’ve pushed through, you’ve overcome, and you’ve made it. That’s something to be grateful for.

 

Recognize Who’s Helped Along the Way

Alongside expressing appreciation for the past, remember those who’ve stood with you throughout the journey. The individuals who’ve advocated for you and been with you at your highest highs and lowest lows.

 

Acknowledging those who’ve helped you along the way is an excellent reminder to be the person that you needed to others. Reciprocate for this people and be the friend, family member, and co-worker that they were to you.

 

Thank Yourself

Lastly, don’t forget to show gratitude for YOURSELF. Your mind is intelligent, it’s helped you in your career. Your body is strong and helps you maneuver through life in a healthy way. Your personality gives you the ability to build relationships and relate to others. When it gets down to it, you are the closest friend you will ever have, so be gracious to yourself! Take yourself out for coffee and get the large this time. Enjoy some well-deserved PTO and go explore an area you’ve never visited before. You’ve been along for the journey this entire time, so be kind and appreciative to yourself.

 

Show Gratitude Year-round

Being grateful isn’t just for the holiday season. In fact, those who express gratitude year-round are happier, healthier, and life longer. Take a few moments each day, whether while driving to the office or when drinking your morning coffee, to think of 3 things that you are grateful for that day. You can keep a journal of your gratitude lists too, if you’re a more tactile person. You’ll be surprised how many small things, from good weather to a smile from a co-worker can completely make your day.

 

What are you grateful for right now?

 

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About Debi

Debi is a coach to high performers, leaders and business owners wanting to achieve more and grow beyond what they believe is possible. Known for her clarifying insight and a pragmatic approach, Debi brings her clients to the next step by asking the right questions during strategy development and supporting them during strategy implementation. With experience in management, recruitment and employee development for various industries, she has a wide scope of expertise and will confidently guide you towards a successful future in your career.