7 Ways to be Thankful

Tis the week of Thanksgiving and American's all around our beautiful country are gearing up for some good food and fun time with loved ones. It is literally named to be a time to give thanks, though we should be doing so all year round, reminder never hurt. AWG encourages you to spread your goodwill as much as possible, use it as a way to reach out to those you've lost touch with, and most importantly - get in touch with your own thankfulness. Here are 7 ways to express and act upon your blessings:

1. Make A List - take 5-10 minutes of your time to reflect on your year and what major and minor  positive things occurred. Generate a list of who you'd like to recognized and who positively impacted your time. Also make sure to include those whom you had not gotten around to thanking yet.

2. Make a Gesture - whether its writing an email, sending a letter, buying a surprise coffee, giving a complement, or scheduling a lunch date, take action on your list of who you would like to reach out to. You don't need a reason, just tell them its because you appreciate them and they make a difference to you.

3. Give a Little - if you do not have a local charity or non-profit affiliate that you engage with, research and find one that speaks to you. You may not realize how many people do so many good things just next door. Any amount of time or financial donation is ALWAYS appreciated, especially during winter weather and holidays.

4. Capture the Moment - many of us have people we are close to and/or activities we do regularly that are not documented with a photo, ever! Be the one to break the ice and say, "I want a picture with you" and do it. You could even use this picture later for a card or gift. Either way you now documented a moment that will be easier to look back upon and it is also an acknowledgement to the significance of it/them in your life.

5. Include Fitness - around the holidays things get SUPER busy and many of us will gain a pound or two from all the goodies and celebrations. Plan in workouts or physical activity. This is a way to thank your body, and when you are healthy and feel good - you are better able to spread the positivity. If able, invite a friend to join! It can be a great time to catch up and get some bonding time in.

6. Feed Your Mind - seek positive and thankful material. This can be a great book, a blog, a movie, etc. As humans our mood is extremely impacted by exterior stimuli. Making effort to expose ourselves to positive examples, feel good reflection or inspirational messages can really help our mind and wellness. This will also get your mind churning and you'll be surprised how it will inspire unconscious acts of thankfulness that you will do without even thinking twice!

7. Be Early - firstly, being ahead of obligations greatly reduces stress/anxiety and reflects an appreciation for the appointment or commitment we are attending. Of course sometimes our schedules are packed or last minute things come up and being early is not an option, but when it is - take the opportunity. Being early allows you to be more engaged, to hold the door open longer for a stranger, to give a genuine "hello, how are you?," to chat with a co-worker, greet a new comer, and just in general be ready to be present.

Happy Thanksgiving from you friends American Workforce Group!