Each year when the calendar turns to November, I notice people starting to talk more about gratitude. With Thanksgiving in our sights in the US, it’s a little reminder to step back and be grateful for all you have.

The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are the more present you become. When you are present with yourself, you are ready to achieve any goal you desire.

We live in a world full of instant gratification, I want it NOW and if I can’t have it NOW I will find a way! It’s not always the right way or the healthiest way but it gets you that instant high that you are looking for.

But does it bring you long term happiness? Does it change the actual root of the problem? Nope, it is just masked by something else.

One thing I have learned over years and especially the difficult months  dealing with lockdowns and social distancing is that pouring into yourself is THE most important thing you can do!

From the minute our eyes open we are being pulled in a million different directions and it’s easy to get bogged down by it all.

By committing to taking some quiet time for yourself every day you will feel that weight lifted and have a fresh new outlook on life. In the grand scheme of things, most things are not worth getting upset about!

Do you have a Gratitude Practice? Try adding these 4 steps to your morning:

• Write down 3 things you are grateful for
• Set an intention for the day
• Decide to find the positive during your day
• Smile BIG and OFTEN

If you want to change something in your life – fitness, nutrition, friendships, 645your career – it starts in your mind.

Being thankful for where you are at and that you have the choice to take care of yourself.

Recognize how good it feels to add one positive habit and then another and another.

Make the change inside and you will start to see the change outside.

Give thanks to YOU so that you can truly be ready to give back to those around you who you love so much!