A Thanksgiving reflection for the deeply feeling.
Whether you’re here in the United States or you’re somewhere else in the world, Gratitude is a universal healing and grounding practice. Here, we’re reminded of it at this time of year (although eating great food can get in the way and certainly fill our stomachs), but it’s the thought that counts.
And indeed it does, because the “attitiude of grattitude” is a fundamental practice that shouldn’t be overlooked in our busy day-to-day lives. Especially for empaths, because the way we think and feel on every level can be dragged down to negative depths, when we lose sight of what we’re grateful for.
This happens because we’re picking up on everything around us, including what other people are feeling (which is why we can turn into people pleasers.) We also feel the pain of animals, and our empathy can throw us off track with the rollercoaster ride of emotions. So it’s important to harness the power of positivity so we can stay on track, and live our life on purpose.
Whether it’s someting tiny, or something awesome that’s happened in our life; feeling good about it changes everything. This is true because everything is energy, and our own energy empacts what comes through to us. (I talked about this in my Animal Angel Connection Facebook group, and in the latest animal message video on YouTube.)
I really dove into a gratitude practice (and recommending it for my clients) while attending healing arts school. It was there that I really understood the power that gratitude has in our lives, and how it can shift everything to help us become more aligned, abundant and living a life that’s balanced in every area.
If you don’t currently have a gratitude practice or need help with starting one, here’s the three steps I recomend:
- When you wake up in the morning; instead of grabbing your phone, grab a cozy beverage of your choice.
- Then sit down with a journal (hopefully one that you enjoy looking at with nice colors and/or a positive saying on the cover) and a pen that you like as well.
- Write down things that come to mind that you’re grateful for, and really get into the feeling of it. You can start each sentence with: “I’m so happy and grateful for…”, or “I really appreciate…”
It could be that you’re grateful for the food in your cupboard or refrigerator, the sun that’s shining, or that you have your animal companion that gives you unconditional love. No matter how big or small, there’s always something to be grateful for and appreciate.
I recommend listing at least ten things. And again, it needs to feel good and be enjoyable. If it feels tedious, then you’re not on the right track. It should be something you look forward to each day, and it’s the foundation for living a life that’s on purpose. (By staying positive, those emotions guide you down the path that’s right for you.)
You’ll want to make this a habit – like brushing your teeth, and that can generally take three weeks of daily practice. Then when you get into the habit, you’ll notice how powerful it really is – and you’ll see a shift in different areas of your life.
The gratitiude practice creates a solid foundation for your day. Things will annoy you less, and you’ll find yourself enjoying life more.
And above all, you’ll start manifesting things you want in life because the universe has a tendency to give you more things to be grateful for, when you’re already in a place of gratitude and appreciation. This isn’t about “getting” everything you want, but really aligning with your desires.
Also, feeling good makes life more enjoyable, and life is definitely short – so why be miserable? No matter how difficult life may seem, we can find gratitude somewhere, and even in the littlest things.
So grab a cup of your favorite morning beverage, relax with your pen and journal and savor the moment. Even though life is busy, it’s good to schedule a few mintues to start your day off on the right foot.
Remember that today (and every day) are moments to be gratefule for. You’ll notice that your life flows more easily, things fall into place, and you can manage the rough times while savoring the good times (along with great food) this holiday season.
If you’re reading this and feeling a little stuck… or overwhelmed… or that your life doesn’t quite reflect the truth of who you really are — know this: gratitude can be your anchor. It helps center your energy, reconnect you to what matters, and create a stable, aligned foundation from which you can begin to shape an authentic life.
If you sense that something’s missing — maybe clarity, purpose, or a deeper connection with your path — I’d love to walk with you. Through a Clarity & Purpose call, I can help you tap into your inner knowing and animal-wise guidance, so you can begin to manifest a life that reflects your true self.
If you’re ready to step into more alignment, meaning, and ease: [Book your call here]
I can’t wait to connect with you and support you on that journey
With gratitude & heart,
Kathleen
