National Gratitude Month

November is National Gratitude Month in the United States. National Gratitude Month is a month dedicated to reminding each of us to reflect on our lives, and to be grateful for the things and people in them. Although we already celebrate thankfulness on Thanksgiving, National Gratitude Month reminds us that we should be grateful more than one day a year. The goal of the month is to help shift people's mindsets from looking at things in a negative view and start appreciating the positives in our lives.

When we are able to shift our focus to a positive mindset, and appreciate the things we are grateful for, it improves our moods and the moods of those around us as well. When a coworker helps you with a task, taking a moment to tell her/him you appreciate her/him helps to spread that kindness and gratitude. Not only will you feel happier spreading gratitude, but your coworker will also feel more positive when she/he  knows that her/his efforts were appreciated. Expressing kindness and gratitude has a way of starting a chain reaction. When that coworker feels valued and recognized, she/him most likely will want to help you more often, and want to spread gratitude to others too. This same idea can be spread everywhere you go, at home, the grocery store, with neighbors, and so on, the positivity could be endless. 

There are so many ways to practice gratitude. Some of which include:

• Leave a note of gratitude for someone

• Tell people when you appreciate the things they do for you

• Start a gratitude journal - this is a place to write down all the things you are grateful for

• Volunteer in your community or to help someone

• Spread small acts of kindness

• Practice mindfulness  - take the time to recognize all the things you are grateful for 

• Teach your children what it means to be grateful

• Buy someone a treat or a coffee to say thank you

• Give a compliment

• Give a social media shout out

• Volunteer to complete  one of their tasks or chores

Showing gratitude does not have to be a huge grand gesture. It can be as simple as a note or a kind word. What is important about gratitude is that you take the time to recognize what someone or something means to you. A little gratitude each day can go a long way in improving your mood and spreading kindness and appreciation to those around you.