Can you believe it’s already Thanksgiving? Let’s be real. Spring was a total blur, and summer and fall flew right past us, and here we are getting ready to head into the holiday season.

Talk about a whirlwind!

Whenever this time of year rolls around, we’re reminded to be appreciative of all that we have and for all of the people who make our lives so special.

We’re inspired to take a step back and reflect and to practice gratitude, which oftentimes comes in the form of giving thanks.

We give thanks for all of the typical things we should be thankful for.

For the roof over our heads…

For our health…

For the time we spend with family members and friends.

For our careers and still having an income despite being in the midst of a pandemic.

And while giving thanks is all well and good (and something we should be doing all year round), “practicing gratitude” goes well beyond simply saying, or feeling thankful.

Read those words again. PRACTICING gratitude.

It’s a verb, not a sentiment, which means we should be DOING something.

And the best way to truly practice gratitude is to serve and give back to others.

There are many different ways to serve, and it doesn’t have to be some big, grandiose gesture.

A Little Gratitude Goes a Long Way

It can be as small as offering someone a kind word. There’s a quote floating around on social media right now that says, “You are the reason someone believes in the goodness of people.”

Whoever that person is for you, reach out to them and TELL them how much you appreciate them. TELL them WHY they matter to you, and why they’ve made a difference in your life.

Or better yet, SHOW them. Not only will they light up inside, but your relationships with them will be strengthened in the process.

If someone has gone above and beyond for you or helped you in some way, figure out a way that you can lighten the load for them.

Maybe it’s picking up an extra shift so a co-worker can take the day off.

Or maybe it’s making a nice dinner for a friend or family member who is always there for you when you need an extra hand.

Heck, maybe it’s as simple as picking up some of the household chores that your partner usually does and telling them to relax and put their feet up for a change!

Just making it a point to show up for people is another easy way to practice gratitude.

Serve Your Community

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering in your community, now is a perfect time.

Is there a more fitting way to practice gratitude than by taking time out of your day to help someone?

Do whatever feels good to you.

Volunteer at a local food bank or soup kitchen. They need as many hands on deck during this time of year as they can get. Even just a few hours of your time can make a huge difference.

Visit an animal shelter and sign up to help walk dogs, feed all of the different animals, and give them some love and companionship until they find their forever homes.

Or if you can’t volunteer in person because of the pandemic, you can sign up to be a pen pal for senior citizens in nursing homes and assisted living centers.

Writing a letter may seem like a small thing, but it will mean the world to the person who receives it.

What We’re Thankful For

In the spirit of practicing gratitude…

We’re thankful for you because your uniqueness and individuality is what makes the ITN community so special.

We appreciate you for your commitment to your own wellbeing and to the health and wellbeing of others.

And we’re grateful to be a part of your journey to a life filled with all of the wonderful things you’re so deserving of.

THANK YOU, and Happy Thanksgiving!