Attitude of Gratitude

A new month, a new mindset. This November, we’re focusing on gratitude. Each year, we usually practice 30 days of Thankful, which helps us to focus on the positive things in our life and how they affect us.

Studies shows that practicing gratitude is good for us. Research shows that simply being grateful can boost your immune system, improve your sleep, improve your mental health, and increase your optimism.

In this season of gratitude, here at Ashley’s we have much to be thankful for: our health, our family, friends, and the wonderful support of you. You chose Ashley’s again and again, and we are so grateful to be there to help you celebrate life deliciously.

Practicing gratitude is a great habit, and this is a great time to start. It’s also something the whole family can do together, no matter the age. It doesn’t require a lot of time and effort, but can have such lasting, positive impacts.

Here are a few simple ideas to help you during this season.

  1. Start a gratitude journal. Each day, jot down a few things you’re thankful for. You can do this solo, or get the family involved. Each day ask what others are thankful for. Record the answers in a notebook each day for 30 days. You can flip back through and read the positive messages throughout the year.
  2. Make a thankful tree. Get colorful construction paper and cut the pages into leaf shapes. Write down one thing you are thankful for on a leaf, and then hang them on the tree. You can find tree kits at a craft store, or simply put a stick with branches in a pretty vase to make your own tree. It can double as Thanksgiving décor.
  3. Put it on a pumpkin. If you never got around to carving a jack-o-lantern this Halloween, don’t let the pumpkin go unused! You can write down what you’re thankful for on a pumpkin each day. It can be a great visual reminder of all the positive things in life.
  4. Make a gratitude jar. This is another way to record the good things in life that bring you joy. Simply write what you’re thankful for on a slip of paper and put it in the jar. You can open the jar and read all the good things on Thanksgiving or pull out a slip of paper if you’re having a rough day to be reminded of the blessings in your life.
  5. Send a thank you card. Do you take the time to let others know you appreciate them? Thank you cards are underrated, but this is the perfect season to bring them back! Write a note to someone who has given you a gift, done something nice for you, or simply write to say thanks for being a good friend. It’s a great way to brighten someone’s day, and it helps to continue that season of gratitude.

When you begin to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, you’ll find this thankfulness carries over beyond the month of November. It’ll soon become a part of your daily life, and that’s a wonderful blessing to all.