Weave Gratitude Into Your Life
As the leaves begin to fall and the days grow shorter, it can be easy to forget all the things for which we are grateful. However, studies have shown that practicing gratitude can improve our mental and physical health. This November, let's take some time to focus on all the good in our lives. Gratitude is the act of being thankful for the good things in your life. It can be as simple as taking a moment each day to think about why you are thankful. You might be grateful for your family, your health, your home, or your job. Or, you might be grateful for smaller things like a sunny day, a delicious meal, or a kind word from a friend. Whatever it is that you’re grateful for, take a moment to appreciate it. When you focus on the good, you’ll find that your life is filled with more wonder and abundance than you ever realized. Practicing gratitude is one of the best ways to cultivate happiness and make the most of every day. So, this November make gratitude a part of your daily routine.
With gratitude,
– MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
ACTION
Gratitude Journal
Are you looking for a way to capture gratitude each day? Every day, take a few minutes to write down three things for which you are grateful. They can be anything from a warm cup of coffee on a cold morning to a fun conversation with a friend. Have your children do the same thing. Young children can draw pictures. It is a great activity for all of us to stay focused on those things that make positive differences in our lives.
Commit to Small Acts of Kindness
Small acts of kindness can make big differences. Whether it's holding the door open for a stranger or writing a thank-you note to a teacher, you can make someone’s day brighter. Check out these 31 acts of kindness, complete with a calendar to inspire great kindness in the coming year.
Gratitude Practices
Are you looking for more ways to practice gratitude with your children? This blog post talks about several ways to cultivate gratitude in unique and creative ways.
Gratitude Garden
Are you looking for more ways to practice gratitude with your children? This blog post talks about several ways to cultivate gratitude in unique and creative ways.
Hunger Calendar
Spend time with your family reflecting on your abundance with this daily activity. You only need a few moments each day and some loose change to make a big impact in your community.
Donate
Are you feeling particularly grateful for all of the resources DGT has to offer? If so, another way to show your gratitude is to donate to us or to any organization that brings you thoughtful resources to help build a kinder and better world. We are able to provide high-quality resources because of your support.
Volunteer Listings
Are you looking for opportunities in your area to volunteer with your kids? Check out our free volunteer listings. Simply subscribe to the list and receive a free monthly email that details a number of different opportunities in your community to give back as a family.
CONVERSATIONS
What are you grateful for today?
What does gratitude look like?
How do you show gratitude?
Is showing gratitude important?
What modern conveniences are you grateful for?
What family members or friends are you grateful for?
BOOKS
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp
This is a special children’s version of the Thanksgiving Address, a message of gratitude that originated with the Native people of upstate New York and Canada and is still spoken at ceremonial gatherings held by the Iroquois, or Six Nations. Its celebration of so many things we universally cherish – love, nature, gratitude – make this a wonderful book to revisit throughout the year or read around the Thanksgiving table.
INSPIRATION
This is a wonderful day. I have never seen this one before.
―Maya Angelou