Thanksgiving: Embracing 'Heartitude' Beyond the Feast

Thanksgiving often brings to mind images of a bountiful table, family gatherings, and the joy of sharing a meal. Yet, this holiday holds a deeper meaning that goes beyond the food. It is a celebration of gratitude, kindness, and connection—a true expression of what can be called heartitude. I conjured up this word to capture the spirit of Thanksgiving as an attitude of the heart, a way of living that extends far beyond one day of feasting.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING WISHES TO YOU AND YOURS!

I want to share how Thanksgiving can inspire us to embrace 'heartitude' in everyday life by enriching our relationships and communities. I also want to examine a few practical ways to cultivate gratitude, kindness, and generosity, and explain how these values can transform the holiday into a meaningful experience that lasts all year.

Heartitude is a blend of heart and attitude. It means approaching life with warmth, openness, and gratitude. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on this mindset because it invites us to pause and appreciate what it is that we currently have.

• Gratitude is the foundation of 'heartitude.' It involves recognizing the good in our lives, even in the smallest of things. Gratitude has been shown to improve mental and physical health. Studies reveal that people who regularly express gratitude experience better sleep quality, lower stress levels, stronger immune systems and increased happiness and overall life satisfaction. By focusing on what we appreciate, we can shift our attention away from negativity and scarcity in order to create a positive cycle that benefits both individuals and communities alike.

  Example: A family that starts a tradition of sharing one thing they are grateful for at every meal, often finds that their relationships will tend to deepen. This simple practice fosters connection and understanding.

  
  

• Kindness flows naturally from gratitude. When we feel thankful, we want to share that feeling with others. Kindness is more than a random act; it is a deliberate choice to treat others with respect and care. During Thanksgiving, kindness can take many forms, such as, inviting someone who might be alone to join your meal; volunteering at a local shelter or food bank, or even writing thank-you notes to people who have made a difference in your life.

  These actions embody 'heartitude' by turning gratitude into meaningful gestures.

  Example: A community group organized a Thanksgiving meal for homeless individuals, creating a space where everyone felt valued and included. This act of kindness left a lasting impact on both hosts and guests.

  
  

• Generosity is the outward expression of 'heartitude,' whether through giving of our time, our attention, or our resources. Generosity during Thanksgiving often focuses on food and gifts, but it can also mean sharing time, skills, or attention. Giving does not require wealth; it only requires willingness. Examples: Through sharing your cooking skills by preparing meals for neighbors or friends who may be busy or unable to do so... by offering to help with errands or chores for elderly family members.... or by donating to causes that support those who are in need during the holiday season; these selfless acts can build community and remind us that Thanksgiving is about connection, not just about consumption.

Many families have Thanksgiving traditions that are mostly centered on food, but adding 'heartitude-focused' activities can truly deepen the holiday’s meaning. For example, you could start a gratitude jar where everyone writes what they are thankful for throughout the year and reads them on Thanksgiving Day. You could also host a "pay it forward" challenge that would encourage guests to perform acts of kindness in the following weeks after the holiday. These activities can keep the spirit of Thanksgiving alive beyond the dinner table.

Also, why not make Thanksgiving a year-round practice of 'heartitude?' Here are some ways to keep the spirit alive:

• Begin or end each day by listing three things you are grateful for.

• Practice random acts of kindness regularly, such as complimenting a coworker or helping a stranger.

• Volunteer regularly in your community to stay connected and give back.

In this way, Thanksgiving becomes more than simply a holiday; it becomes a daily lifestyle.

So, this Thanksgiving, with a 'heartitude' of kindness, and in giving with generosity, I extend to you a blessed holiday season!