How much time during your day would you say you give thanks? Literally verbally expressing to someone how much you appreciate them, including in the bad and in the ugly.

Life is complicated and far from perfect. Yet for some reason, we try to live a season of perfection. One day of the year, we claim to give thanks for ALL throughout the year.

But how can one truly give thanks for all the blesses and messes in one day? You can’t. And oddly enough, your heart knows it.

We live day to day fumbling through what we think needs to be accomplished. We miss the stranger who passes us by in the store to give a sweet “hello” and a smile of cheer. We scramble with the children getting them out the door for more activities galore. But we forget to tell them the sweetest sound to the ears, “I love you!”.

How can our minds forget the importance, of later what we regret, the habit of giving thanks?

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Giving thanks is not a convenience. In fact, it should be a disruptor in our lives.

Giving thanks is a gift of presence to the world in which you touch.

Your pause and recognition of someone is an extension of your heart that instills hope for the one receiving such a gift of words.

The habit of giving thanks peels back the hardened layers of hurt and pain not just for the receiver, but for the giver.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Give thanks with a grateful heart!

This season and for days to come, may your mouth exude love and grace for those who are placed in your path.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” ~ Matthew 6:21

It’s easy to feel gratitude. That’ what being grateful is all about. But the impact comes with action. Giving thanks puts your thoughts into motion with intentionality.

No! It doesn’t ever come easy. However, your heart grows and so does your mind when you give thanks with a grateful heart.

There are so many reasons to give thanks with a grateful heart.

• Increases your immune system
• Improves sleep
• Eliminates stress
• Rewires your brain
• Boosts self-esteem and performance
• Improves relationships
• Creates a resistance to negativity

If you get all of this from giving thanks, why wouldn’t you give it more?

So instead of burying your heart in messes and misery, give thanks with a grateful heart.

1. Compliment a stranger for his/her help, even if he/she couldn’t help you the way you think you needed.
2. Give a hug or handshake with a sincere “thank you”. The action of gratitude elevates hope. Why not give hope to someone? It’s giving thanks with a grateful heart.
3. Express gratitude with an intentional action not just for others, but for you. You matter! Be kind to yourself. Speak words of gratitude and hope. Grow your mind with a sense of appreciation. You’re gonna mess up. So laugh a little more at the messes so you can experience more blesses.

The habit of giving thanks is more about the impact and influence you create all throughout the year!

“Live. Love. IMPACT!!!”