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As we step into the holiday season, we’re invited to pause and notice the quiet goodness woven into our everyday lives. Gratitude is more than a seasonal sentiment; it’s a powerful, intentional practice that can shape the way we think, respond, and show up in the world.

Gratitude as a Daily Anchor

During a time filled with activity, gatherings, and expectation, grounding ourselves in thankfulness helps us reconnect to what matters. Gratitude creates space for perspective, presence, and peace. Even a simple practice like acknowledging one thing you’re grateful for each morning can soften stress, shift your mindset, and help you approach the day with more intention.

Check out the “Gratitude Turkey” my pharmacy manager and dear friend, Ronni, created with her 3-year-old daughter this year. Each evening after dinner, they choose a colorful “feather” and write one thing they’re thankful for. It’s a simple, heart-warming reminder that it’s never too early to teach children the power of gratitude and honestly, it’s a practice we could all benefit from, no matter our age.

Try this:
​Pause. Breathe. Name one thing that supported you today.
​It could be a person, a moment, a lesson, or something beautifully ordinary.

The Power of Being Thankful on Purpose

Intentional gratitude isn’t passive. It’s a choice, a conscious turning of our attention toward the good, even when life feels heavy or uncertain.

This month, consider integrating one small intentional action into your routine:

• Gratitude Notes: Send a text or handwritten message to someone who impacted you this year.
• Mindful Moments: Take a short walk and notice the details like the light, the air, the quiet gifts around you.
• Shift the Script: When challenges arise, ask yourself: What is this teaching me?
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Celebrate the Small: Wins don’t need to be big to be meaningful.

A Seasonal Reflection

As we move through the holidays, whether surrounded by loved ones or leaning into quiet moments, remember that gratitude expands what we value. It turns moments into memories and routines into rituals. It grounds us in who we are becoming.

Take a moment this week to ask yourself:

What am I most thankful for in this season of my life?
How can I carry gratitude into the new year?

Thankfulness is not just a feeling, it’s a practice, a mindset, and a way of living with intention. When we choose gratitude, we choose to see our lives through a lens of connection, meaning, and hope.

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In this episode of the Intentional Living Podcast, I sit down with health coach Jen Shaver to explore what it truly means to live intentionally, whether it’s through movement, nutrition, or inner alignment. Jen shares her practical tips for building consistent habits, from morning “non-negotiables” like walks and strength training, to teaching children a healthy relationship with food. We also dive into her personal journey with osteoporosis, the importance of strength training, and why she calls muscle “the currency of our future.” Plus, we break down simple, effective ways to nourish your body and mind without guilt.