Dear Kosterina Family,
Thanksgiving is a time for family traditions and delicious meals -- but also, a time for us to reflect on all the good in our lives. In our world today, it might seem like this feeling is difficult to come by. Here at Kosterina, we have a few tried and true ways to practice gratitude in our everyday lives.
Keep a gratitude journal
The idea of keeping a gratitude journal might be daunting - but, you just need to keep it simple. Start (or end) your day by writing down three things you're grateful for. It could be anything from the weather, to the fact that you finally got a full night of sleep. Just the mere idea of seeing your grateful thoughts on paper has tons of health and happiness benefits.
Commit to one day of no complaining
It's easy to find ourselves complaining about the simplest things. That's because our mind naturally gravitates towards negative thoughts. But with practice, we can train our minds to think positively. Try going one full day without complaining about anything, and see how it makes you feel.
Spend some time volunteering
When we help others, we are actually helping ourselves achieve greater happiness in life. Volunteering, especially around the holidays, not only helps you contribute to your community - but it's also a great way to practice gratitude. This Thanksgiving, spend your morning at a local soup kitchen or find other ways to give back.
Give a compliment to someone
It might seem counterintuitive, but giving compliments to others actually makes us feel good, too. The ability to give compliments to others is actually a great gift, and can completely shift someone's day. Try giving a compliment to a stranger, or someone you love (or both!).
Smile!
Ever hear the idea, "Fake it till you make it?" Smiling, even when you don't feel like it, is scientifically proven to make you happier. We have the power to shift our own mindsets - so this Thanksgiving, challenge yourself to smile a little bit more. It will not only boost your gratitude, but also others around you, too.