As we enter a new month, I'm reflecting on all the wonderful things in my life and different ways in which I'm expressing my gratitude this month. As it is a month of giving (keep reading to get a sneak peak into the amazing deals DanceBody is essentially giving away on Black Friday/Cyber Monday), I'm excited to share how I try my best to stay positive and emit a good energy in our last few months of 2021.
What is Gratitude Anyway?
The dictionary defines it as: “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”
Harvard Medical School says: “With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, being grateful also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.”
I define it as first being aware that overall (crappy days aside), you’ve got it good. And because of that recognition, you are charged with letting the people in your life, who make things awesome, know that THEY are awesome. This extends from my mom to the super nice barista at Starbucks. Finding little and big moments of gratitude in our daily lives not only puts us in a more positive mindset, but also emits a better energy out into the world.
Here are the 4 ways I’m expressing my gratitude this month:
Finding The Words
Expressing gratitude for someone is SO much more than simply saying “thank you.” I try to be as specific as possible when expressing my true gratitude to someone - whether it’s as a boss, co-worker, friend, or family member. By making the fabric of what we say more intricate and meaningful, it will carry more weight to who we are saying it to, and they won’t forget your words.
Donation Station
One of my favorite ways to express gratitude is to donate my time. I am so grateful for the life that I am blessed to live and to do that with a strong, able body - it fills me up to give to those in a less fortunate position. Hands down, volunteering my time is my favorite way to express gratitude for all I am lucky to have in this world.
Looking for a place to volunteer in NYC this season? Check out New York Cares. The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program is also something you can do from anywhere!
Write Your Heart Out
It is a lost art form, but whenever I receive a handwritten note from a family member or friend, it just hits differently. Someone taking the time to sit down, devote time to pen their thoughts and feelings for you - nothing feels so good! Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to play with a new toy or spend any holiday money without first writing a thank you note - my Mom gets it!
Gift Giving Works
Gift giving has nothing to do with the size of the gift or the amount spent, but all to do with the thought behind it. My favorite thing is to give a gift to someone I’m grateful for when they least expect it. They are always pleasantly surprised and I believe will find ways to pay it forward from there. It is a true ripple effect.
If you’re looking for ways to surprise your friends and family with a gift idea, keep an eye out for our Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales…. You will see deals on in-studio classes, the Shop, and DanceBody LIVE, our streaming platform, that you won’t want to miss!
