The Hidden Secret of Thanksgiving

It is the season for Thanksgiving.  Over the next few days we will be celebrating Thanksgiving with our friends and family, eating way too much food and enjoying each other’s company.  This past week, Facebook and Twitter have been full of people sharing what they are thankful for.
I love this season.  I think it is awesome that we take time to be thankful.  This year as I reflect on the things I am thankful for, I am reminded of the hidden secret of thanksgiving.  Now I am not referring to some great secret hidden in the “Thanksgiving Holiday.”  I am referring to the hidden secret of the “practice of thanksgiving.”
What is this secret?
The secret is that if we make the attitude and practice of thanksgiving a habit, we can radically improve our lives. I heard Tony Robbins sum this up so well when he said, “Turn expectation into appreciation and you can transform your life.”
Expectation creates disappointments, frustration, damaged relationships and a victim mentality.  Thanksgiving on the other hand, brings hope and optimism and improves our relationship to the world around us.
Now I have a challenge for you.  It is not good enough to just “be thankful,” we need to speak it.  There is something powerful that happens, to us and those around us, when we speak.  Words are powerful.  They can build up or tear down, encourage or discourage, heal or hurt, and bring hope or fear.
Personally, I have found it difficult to just, “not say negative words.”  Instead, I need to fill my mouth with thanksgiving and appreciation.  Are you the same way?
Therefore, for the last two months I have been working on developing a habit of speaking “thanksgiving.” Each day I choose to practice this action. First, As I get my shower in the morning I express the things I am thankful for (that way no one hears me and thinks I am crazy.)  I have found that this simple practice is radically changing how I view life each and every day.  Second, I am making the choice to say “thank you” to somebody. Usually I do this through an email, text or Facebook message.

Here 7 benefits of Expressing Thanksgiving

• Less Discouragement
• Increased Optimism
• Increased Productivity
• Improved Relationships
• More Energy
• More Awareness of Opportunities
• Increased Influence

I am 100% convinced that Tony Robbins is right.  Thanksgiving and appreciation can transform our lives.

What are some of the benefits your have experienced from expressing “Thanksgiving?”

Share your thoughts in the comments