I love thanksgiving! Every year we talk about cutting corners, even the possibility of going out to eat, but when it comes down to it, this is the holiday that means family around a table in the house eating everything they can find! We always go around and say what we are thankful for and I am always so thankful for my family, friends and even my wonderful career path, but this year I think I will add a different spin on things and try to figure out how to remain thankful all year-long.

This concept reminds me of hurricane season, especially the part where you lose electricity and you turn to your neighbors to help or just to bond. Whenever the electricity is out, I have noticed that families come out of their houses, interact with others and lend a helping hand if needed. When the electricity goes back on, you remark how great it was to be part of the community, even if it was just in your own house and remind yourself that you need to keep it up. Honestly, who really keeps it up? The same goes with being thankful, how do we remain thankful for all of our blessings all year-long?

1. Always volunteer and remind yourself of all that you have.
2. Donate items to those in need all year-long.
3. Teach others how to be thankful of what they have.
4. Implement a plan to slow down and remind yourself of all that you have.
5. Look around and see your life through someone else’s eyes.

I am one of the lucky ones that I can remind myself of all that I am thankful for and one way that I can do this for sure is when I am driving in traffic and come upon an accident. I do not get upset for the extra time that I had to wait for the accident because I am safe in my car while somebody else is hurting or even worse. To remember the acts of kindness that we do to others and others to do us is the best way to stay thankful.

Let me know your thoughts on how to say thankful all year round and let’s hold each other to this promise of staying thankful!