Image by Chef Sean Christopher
In the USA we celebrate Thanksgiving Day the 4th Thursday of every November. I’ve always loved Thanksgiving, and all the holidays. But when I was younger I thought of Thanksgiving mostly as a yearly excuse for overindulging in food, drink, and parties.
It wasn’t until I was much older that I began to understand and appreciate the true meaning of the day. Its name says it all—thanks-giving.
Now, at this time of my life, I make every day Thanksgiving.
I have a little ritual I do every night. I keep a journal—my “gratitude journal”—by my bed. Before I go to sleep I write down all the blessings the day has brought me. I thank Spirit for those blessings, and that usually sends me off to a peaceful night’s sleep.
Spirit
There are countless benefits you derive from simply being grateful. Here are a few:
Gratitude raises your vibration because it puts you into that energy you would call “grace.”
Gratitude aligns you more fully and completely with your spirit. Your spirit is always grateful it has you as its human expression. Be grateful you have your spirit always guiding and supporting you.
Gratitude puts you in a powerful receiving mode—because the universe will deliver to you more of what you are already grateful for.
So if you want to increase the abundance flowing into your life, simply express gratitude for all the good you already have.
No matter how much—or how little—you have in your life right now, gratitude guarantees more abundance is on the way.
Find something good every day to be grateful for.
In fact, find something every moment to be grateful for.
The present moment is the only place you can manifest what you want. You cannot manifest when you’re living in the past or the future.
Remember, all your power is in the present moment.
You render yourself powerless if you are living in the past or the future.
As your wonderful teacher says, “Be here now.” (Spirit is speaking of Ram Dass.)
When you take that simple advice to be here now, you have access to all the love, joy, peace, and abundance you have ever wanted.
When you are focused on, and filled with, gratitude you will begin living the life of your dreams.
That’s how powerful gratitude is. It will transform your life forever.
Being in the present moment with deep gratitude and appreciation is the single most important thing you can ever do in this lifetime.
Finally, remember to not only be grateful for all your many blessings, but also to share those blessings with others, especially those less blessed than you. You will never lack what you are willing to give others unconditionally and with love.
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This video is not a polished, professional presentation. But of all the Thanksgiving videos I’ve seen, it gives the clearest and best description of what Thanksgiving really is. At least in my opinion.
This very short video fits perfectly with the one above, and with our message for today. It features actor and comedian Chris Hardwick.
Related links:
The Power of Gratitude
Gratitude
How Can We Be Grateful In a World Filled With Pain?
Count Your Blessings
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Many of us celebrate Thanksgiving only once a year. But what would happen if we did it every day? Do you have any daily thanks-giving rituals? Please share your thoughts and comments with us.
What other subjects would you like us to talk about in these posts? Please email me.
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About John Cali
John Cali is a writer, blogger, and channel for a group of spirit guides. His next book is Real Answers to Life’s Pesky Questions: Conversations With Spirit, Book 1. John lives in northwestern Wyoming. Sign up for his newsletter here.
Toni
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, John!
Love,
Toni
John Cali
Thanks very much, Toni — and a most Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your loved ones!
Love, John
Susan
Thank you, John for this wonderful post! I just received this beautiful gift of Spirit and I would love to share it…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2egMSliB8DE
Love and blessings,
Susan
John Cali
Thanks very much, Susan.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Patricia
I’m trying to add a photo….rather than a generic silhouette
John Cali
Okay, let me know if you need any help.
Patricia
Beautiful…….. Thanks…so much! I’ll be thinking of your words of wisdom tomorrow, and as I meditate. I really appreciate you and Spirit.
John Cali
Thanks so much, Patricia, for your kindness. We really appreciate YOU.
Sarah
Great post, thank you 🙂 I am in the process of making gratitude and appreciation my main mode of operation and it is amazing how life changing it really is! The thoughts that come to me now are so much more life giving than they were before. The world is a brighter place and I truly realise just how much I have been blessed and AM blessed in each moment. Thank you for reminding me yet again x
John Cali
You’re most welcome, Sarah. I’ve long believed gratitude can literally transform our lives — it certainly has mine.
Angela
Such a beautiful article, John!!
Thank you for writing it!
Blessings to you…
John Cali
You’re most welcome, Angela. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Hugs,
John
Pat
Thank you, John and Spirit — wonderfully expressed, especially the points Spirit made and Tommy Wyatt’s video.
Wishing you and all your readers a blessed and happy Thanksgiving and sending warm wishes of compassion to Chris Hardwick and his family.
John Cali
Thanks very much, Pat!
A most Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!