A Simple Family Gratitude Practice

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Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S., so I’m sharing a simple gratitude practice that you can do as a family, along with a guided gratitude meditation. What you focus on is what you create more of. When you focus on things that bring you joy and delight, you’re going to feel better and more positive about your life. 

Of course, we can’t feel good all the time, and you can’t avoid negative emotions in your life. But sometimes, when you get curious about where those feelings are coming from, you can play around with those sad, disappointed or negative thoughts.

Gratitude is a powerful tool for feeling more content in your life. Instead of chasing after something new, better, different, more, we can learn to appreciate the things we have.

The Antidote to Entitlement

If you’re reading this around the time it comes out, we’re heading into the holiday season. If you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or another gift-giving holiday, your kids probably have gifts on the brain. 

First, I want to remind you that this is normal. Kids naturally have a lot of desire. It’s okay for them to want things and ask for things. It’s also okay for them to not get those things and feel disappointed.

But, if you’ve worried that your kid is going to be spoiled, entitled or always wanting, wanting, wanting…

The antidote is gratitude.

A Simple Family Gratitude Practice

This gratitude practice is about being okay with desire, wants and the wish list. 

In fact, this exercise is kinda like a wish list in reverse. Challenge your kids (and yourself) to ask themselves…

What are some things that you used to want that you now have?

Look back on these things and take a moment to be grateful for them. 

It doesn’t have to be formal, or even written down. Just start a conversation. You can use some of the prompts below to get you started:

• Do you remember what was on your wish list last year? Did you get it? 
• Isn't it amazing that you used to want something, and now you have it? 
• Do you still love it? Are you glad you have it? 

It doesn’t have to be stuff. You can also express gratitude for an experience, relationship or opportunity. 

We’re cultivating the ability to reflect and be thankful, challenging the brain to think of things in a slightly different way. 

This podcast was something I wanted for a long time. I am so thankful for you and for the opportunity to share the things I’ve learned. I’m grateful for my difficult experience as a mom because it allows me to connect with you and help make your life a little bit easier and more calm.

If you want to listen to the guided meditation in the podcast recording, you can find it at [8:54].

I wish you a joyful holiday and lots of love and gratitude in your life. 

You’ll Learn:

• Why your kid isn’t wrong for wanting things
• How to flip the wish list into a simple family gratitude practice
• What I’m thankful for
• A guided meditation to bring more gratitude into your life