GRATITUDE - gratitude helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals – whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.

Instead of focusing on the negativity of this pandemic, perhaps we all need to take time to be grateful for what we have gained after being forced to slow down and spend time with those who are most important to us.

1. LAUGHTER

Laughing is contagious, and the act of laughing boosts your immune system and lowers stress hormones.

Whether you’re laughing quietly to yourself, or enjoying a big belly laugh in the company of family and

friends, you can get these and other physical benefits of laughter.

2.YOUR MISTAKES

Instead of beating yourself up for the missteps you make, reframe your thought processes and embrace mistakes as opportunities for learning. Nobody is perfect. You’ll inevitably encounter hurdles and obstacles along the way, and that’s OK. It’s part of your growth.

3.SUNRISES AND SUNSETS

There’s something magical about the natural beauty and bursts of color that accompany the rising and setting of the sun. If you’re fortunate enough to catch either of these sights, take time to appreciate it.

4.MUSIC

Whether your taste in music lends itself to the likes of Brahms, Bach and Beethoven, or you prefer to dance to the latest pop hits on the top-40 list, there’s no shortage of amazing tunes in the world.

5.TECHNOLOGY

When you stop to appreciate how quickly technology advances each year, you can be thankful for all the conveniences it has brought to your life. You can now manage everything from your finances to your home’s lighting and temperature on your smartphone.

6. FREE TIME

There’s something a little decadent about having a few hours you can spend doing anything you like, whether that’s calling a friend, doing a crossword puzzle, watching a movie, taking a nap – or nothing at all.

“Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!”