A Daily Dose of Thankfulness

Fall is my favorite time of year. As the leaves start to change and the air gets that crisp autumn feel, it’s the perfect moment to really soak in the warmth that comes with being thankful. It's a season that encourages connection, where the falling leaves and cooler weather invite you to pause, reflect on what’s good in your life, and enjoy the cozy feeling of gratitude.

It's good to be reminded to be thankful.

It’s easy to get caught up in what’s not going right or what we don’t like about things. We tend to focus on what we want to fix—whether it’s in our lives, our homes, or even in our relationships with our partners and kids. But here’s the thing: warmth, affection, and closeness don’t thrive when all we do is focus on what we want to change or what bothers us.

One of the great existential thinkers, Soren Kierkegaard, said that our life always expresses the result of our dominant thoughts. He was right. This principle is true for our relationships also.

The way you feel about your life, your spouse, and your family comes from the thoughts you have about them. So, if you’re constantly thinking about that argument you had, how frustrated you are with the housework, or how unhappy you are about a situation, what do those thoughts lead to? Are they helping you build a happier life or deeper, more connected relationships?

Cultivate Thankfulness

Taking a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for can really shift your mindset and mood in a positive direction. When you recognize and show gratitude for the good things in your life and relationships, it helps create a sense of appreciation and connection. So, how can you change your thinking and create a more thankful and appreciative atmosphere? Here's a simple exercise that can help you do just that.

Make it a daily habit to think about what you love about your life and also the qualities you love, admire, and appreciate in your spouse, kids, or other family members. But don’t just keep those thoughts to yourself—share them with the person! For example, you could say something like, "I really appreciated how (caring, dedicated, dependable, calm, etc.) you were when..." Doing this regularly will help you focus on the positive traits in others, and it’ll make expressing those good thoughts to the people you care about a natural habit.

When you make an effort to bring thankfulness into our life and interactions, you create an environment where love, warmth, and joy can really flourish. It’s in these small but meaningful moments of gratitude that you find the strength to get through tough times and the warmth to celebrate the good ones.

Your Mental Health Prescription

Making thankfulness part of your daily routine can really change your mindset and overall well-being. Take a moment each day to notice the little things you're grateful for—whether it’s a kind gesture, a smile, or just the presence of the person you love. When you make gratitude a habit, you'll start to see positive changes in your mental health, relationships, and how you view life. So, start today—keep it simple, be consistent, and let thankfulness lead you to a happier, more fulfilling life.