I doubt it is a surprise to many of you that one of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving. But once the official day is over, it’s far too easy for us to let it slip away and get busy preparing for the slew of holidays to come. Making matters worse are all the retailers and advertising companies doing their best to sell us things for others and ourselves. That is why I decided this year to spend a little more time focusing on what Thanksgiving means to me on the day and week after. And what better way than by sharing the SMART words of many of my favorite writers and speakers?
With that in mind, here are ten quotes from my collection that I believe have the ability to help me the most.
1. “ThanksGiving is good, but ThanksLiving is better.” ~Matthew Henry.
This is, and remains, my all-time-favorite gratitude quote. That’s because, like the focus of this post, I think practicing gratitude and appreciation is something that benefits me and everyone else if we could manage to do it every single day of the year.
2. “I truly believe we can either see the connections, celebrate them, and express gratitude for our blessings, or we can see life as a string of coincidences that have no meaning or connection. For me, I’m going to believe in miracles, celebrate life, rejoice in the views of eternity, and hope my choices will create a positive ripple effect in the lives of others. This is my choice.”~ Mike Ericksen.
When I first read this quote, I realized how it speaks about my own optimistic nature. I know that we live in challenging times (of course, when you think about that, you have to realize that nearly every generation has thought that their time was the most challenging.) And certainly, each of us has circumstances we would prefer to avoid. But this quote reminds me that it is all a choice—a choice to believe in the basic goodness of life and of other people—a choice for miracles and possibilities. Call it attitude or gratitude—I’m doing my best to live it 365.
3. “It is impossible to feel grateful and depressed in the same moment.” ~ Naomi Williams.
It’s true. Whenever we are truly feeling grateful, any thoughts of depression melt away. I think that’s because gratitude has the ability to turn a switch in your minds that generates hope and appreciation no matter what we have experienced, or what we are going through now. Unfortunately, far too many of us seem to like the drama of not feeling good and then never allow ourselves the gift of gratitude. Maybe it’s time to give it a try.
4. “If you want to find happiness, find gratitude.” — Steve Maraboli
There are thousands of books and lots of blog posts (including many here on SMART Living 365) that share ideas about how to increase our happiness. But when you think it through, I tend to believe that gratitude is a simple doorway into feeling better about ourselves, our lives and all our experiences. And isn’t that a great pathway to happiness?
5. You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you.” ~Sarah Ban Breathnach
What we seldom remember about gratitude is that it is tied to something so much bigger than ourselves. Gratitude is about focus. It is about choosing what we will see, believe and focus on rather than the many other details that can distract or discourage us. In fact, I’m betting that gratitude isn’t a passive view of the world at all. Instead, it is one of the most courageous things we can do to help co-create the type of life and world we hope to live in in the days to come.
6.“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” ~Oprah Winfrey
Here’s another quote that reminds me that if I am focusing on what is going wrong in the world around me or even in my life, it just gets bigger and worse. It is also a great reminder that if all I do is think of what I don’t have—like enough money, enough friends, enough good health, enough safety—then I will likely never, ever find enough of it. Instead, when I return to a sense of gratitude, my focus changes to one of possibility, opportunity and peace of mind. Plus, as Frank A. Clark says, “If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.”
7. “When you feel gratitude, you are the closest to the natural state you were born to live in.” ~Abraham-Hicks.
Abraham-Hicks actually prefers the word “appreciation” rather than gratitude most the time. That’s because they explain that often when we think of being grateful, we come from a place of lack, or not having something, and then focus on the loss rather than the gain. But the feeling is the same. Abraham-Hicks believes that gratitude/appreciation is the same vibration as love—and that of course, is the pure essence of who we all are.
Another important distinction that Abraham-Hicks makes with gratitude and appreciation is to recognize that when we feel it—it isn’t tied to our worthiness. As I have written before, Abraham-Hicks promotes unconditional love and that means when we see with the eyes of true appreciation it isn’t conditioned upon something we did or didn’t do. No guilt, shoulds, or even the idea that we earned something so we should give thanks for it. That unconditional love is always there and all we have to do is see it with deep appreciation to access its gift.
8. “Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” — Denis Waitley
Here is Denis Waitley saying much the same thing from a different angle. When we are experiencing true gratitude. then we are open to experience happiness in every minute. Like he says, happiness is not something we can buy or process—it is something we experience and feel. Gratitude opens the door.
9. “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”~Thornton Wilder
A key word here is “conscious.” We have to be aware. We have to pause out of our busy lives and take a moment to look around and appreciate what we have rather than what is missing. It also has to be more than just a mental appreciation—only when our minds and our hearts blend the experience of the treasures in our lives—only then are we truly alive.
10. “If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.” ~Meister Eckhart
In case you are wondering, I do believe in prayer. But there are LOTS of ways to pray in my understanding (and I usually avoid those who say otherwise.) That is why the simplicity of this prayer so appeals to me. It reminds me of my connection to the Mystery without making it fit any form other than deep appreciation and connection. Didn’t one great spiritual teacher suggest that we should, “pray without ceasing?” In my opinion, this prayer is the best way to do just that.
Alright, I’ll admit that none of these ideas are new or even original. What they are, at least for me, are great reminders. And if I thought about them every day, which I surely hope to do, then the remainder of my life will be one of unfolding wellbeing and peace of mind. I also tend to believe that the more I come from that state of being, the more likely I am to help and serve other people and the world around me.
With that said, I want each and every person who reads this post to know how much I appreciate them. Just knowing that you are out there in the blogosphere is your gift to me. SMART Living 365 is a labor of love and my offering to those who appreciate words of encouragement and possibility. The SMART perspective is to never take any of it for granted and stay alive and grateful 365.
Okay, your turn! Were any of these a surprise or were you familiar with them all? What stood out for you? What is your favorite gratitude/thanksgiving quote of all time? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
This was really inspiring . Thank you for the lovely post.
Hi Kathy. I like the way you clarified Abraham Hick’s notion of appreciation as somewhat distinct from gratitude. I am a great believer in observing and appreciating the beautiful world around me, the relationships that I am fortunate to have, and my experiences on life’s journey. Observing and appreciating help me to feel a sense of well-being, and also are integral to being a painter and a writer.
Gratitude, for me, is not as straightforward as a concept because gratitude implies being grateful to someone, which is fine when there is someone specific to feel grateful to, but not as much in situations such as appreciating the beauty of nature, etc. which are not directly attributable to someone.
Jude
Hi Kathy,
Hope this finds you well. I did try to email you, but my messages kept getting rejected…not sure why, but thought I would try this route.
I just wanted to let you know that I mentioned SMARTliving365 in a blog post…Donna from Retirement Reflections was your guest post writer and she directed me to your blog. I LOVE what you have done, and as a new blogger it is a great model.
Donna’s post inspired me to explore happiness further, as it and gratitude are closely linked together.
Thank you for being an inspiration for this newbie,
Nancy
Hi Nancy! I am not sure why your emails aren’t reaching me. I am half-way around the world so maybe there is why. Thank you for your comments and I will investigate what happened to your emails. And please stay in touch (especially after I return on the 1st!) ~Kathy
You bet! I am now a faithful reader and we can connect more in the New Year.
Best of Holidays to you and your family.
Nancy
I’m behind on reading blogs…we did a week-long trip and I was off-grid a lot! Anyway, I had never heard most of these quotes, so thanks for sharing. I’m going to try Bullet Journalling starting In January and one of my “personal collections” will be a gratitude list!
I heard someone say “chose wonder over worry.” Nice post. I am a blogger too.
These are all wonderful, Kathy! Hope your Thanksgiving was awesome! Got behind in reading blogs these past three weeks!
Hi Terri! I wasn’t quite sure that you fit my guidelines right now–so I left you on my “favorites” list rather than here. If and when you get back to blogging more regularly about “second wind leisure” you know you will be. Have a wonderful holiday and keep sharing your wonderful photos. ~Kathy
Hmm, not sure what you mean by fitting your guidelines…but I’ve been blogging once a week on my photography challenge which inspires many bloggers to fulfill their photoblogging needs by participating.
Hi Terri. Yes it isn’t just about how often you blog. I’m thinking you now belong on a photo inspiration list! And of course you are on the list of my regular favorites. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy
Number 1 caught me right off the bat. Thanksliving. I think many people who have suffered and then received the grace of recovery are very aware of Thanksliving.
Number 10 “Thank-you” becomes the prayer they say each night before falling off to sleep.
Beautiful post
Laura
Hi Laura! Thank you. And yes, I agree that any of us who has suffered (and who among us hasn’t by our age???) we can recognize what we’ve come through and how important that is to remember. Thanks for stopping by! ~Kathy
Thank you so much for the reminder to be grateful. I especially love the first one. ThanksGiving is good, but ThanksLiving is better.” it’s so true.
Hi Rebecca. You’re welcome. Like so much I write, it’s what “I” need to remember–I am just grateful when it resonates with others too. ~Kathy
They are all good, but the last one, saying Thank You as a prayer is one of my favorites. I like it because it fits no matter the religion or even if there is no religion.
Hi Jennifer! Yes! Doesn’t that make it extra sweet? Just taking the time to be mindful in the moment and say Thank You is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and others throughout our day. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Weekend. Thank YOU for stopping by. ~Kathy
I don’t know if this qualifies, but I like to think this, or tell people, in a happy moment: “These are the good old days.” I guess quoting Carly Simon! But it makes you feel grateful.
Hi Lynne! Isn’t that the truth? I don’t doubt for a moment that sometime in the future we will be looking back and appreciate these days as very, very good. The trick, of course, is to be aware of that RIGHT NOW! Thanks for that reminder! ~Kathy
Thank you Kathy for this post. I realized as I was reading the quotes, that I have gotten away from conscious gratitude. I have been struggling lately. When I am consciously grateful, either when I journal or meditate (another habit that has taken a back seat) I feel much better. Making it a priority starting now.
Hi Jamie! Thank YOU! I appreciate knowing that you are a lot like me and can use as many reminders as possible. It isn’t that this is new to us, but it is so very easy to get distracted in this day and age. I can’t help but believe that if we hold these ideas a bit closer we will be better able to handle the next 30 days (and beyond) a bit better. Happy Thanksgiving! ~Kathy
Quotes by Eckhart get me every time! He has a way of compressing complex thoughts into a few words. Thank you for this, Kathy—I was inspired!
Hi Diane! Yes, isn’t he great? He still has so much to say to us all that any chance I can get to remember his words is good. ~Kathy
I LOVE positive, upbeat quotes Kathy – these were wonderful. I particularly loved the Mike Ericksen one and have shared it on my Cresting the Hill FB page so others can enjoy it too xx
Hi Leanne! Thank you! I’m glad I was able to spread a few positive remindesr around and “like ripples on the water” they flow out. ~Kathy
“When you feel gratitude, you are the closest to the natural state you were born to live in.” ~Abraham-Hicks is my favorite and I am practicing full appreciation!
Hi Gary! Isn’t that a nice way to think of it? I so-o-o appreciate and our long friendship. Thanks for being part of my life. ~Kathy
Kathy – thank you so much for these great quotes. While gratitude has been a central focus for much of my adult life — gratitude and joy — for years I relied heavily on the Judeo-Christian quotes to spur me on. [Central themes at both my ‘perpetual’ vows and our wedding. LOL]. Not that I rejected others’ but just wasn’t as familiar — so all of these quotes except Eckhart are new to me. I have to say I stumbled over Naomi Williams. Given I struggled with depression off-on for years, I believe they can co-exist for it was the focus on gratitude that often pulled me through the toughest times — but the depression didn’t magically disappear. I get the sentiment but I fear it downplays the reality of mental illness.
All of that said, I want to echo Donna in saying Thank You for your blog. Reading this particular post, I was struck by who your blog is one of my favorite. As some of my comments give hint, I struggle at times with how your optimism feels a bit ‘naive’ or ‘simplistic’. I appreciate how you engage in a discussion and challenge my challenges. But what struck me reading this post – and has me wiping the tears streaming down my face as I sit in my little corner of Starbucks this morning, is that by nature I am optimistic but was criticized for years as being ‘unrealistic’ and ‘idealist’ and ‘too romantic’. “They” won in 2015 (when my life imploded again) and it has taken everything in me to hang on to my optimism, gratitude, hope, and joy. Your blog is a critical piece of my rope. Thank you.
Hi Janet! Awww…now I am getting verklempt! Such a kind thing to say to another writer–shoot, to say to anyone! But thank you for pointing out that I sometimes forget that some people are struggling with a depression that I can’t even relate to understanding. I know that I have been fortunate in that regard because even though I don’t always feel super happy, I do have the ability to see the good in most things and like Winston Churchhill said, “I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.” So yes, I agree that Naomi Williams would not apply to those who experience what you describe. But hopefully, they are able, just as you have, to allow gratitude to co-exist within their hearts so that they can find their way through it eventually. And while you might not always feel optimistic, may you always find the strength and hope to never let “them” win! ~Kathy
I love all of them, Kathy! 🙂
I wrote my gratitude post about finding gratitude during times of challenge, and exploring that really shifted my perspective. I prefer the word “peace” to “happiness,” because there are times when I sincerely do NOT want to be happy (after losing a loved one, for example), but it is possible to feel at peace and remain in a state of gratitude, even during those times.
And let me add that I am grateful that you and I reconnected, after I took a few years away from blogging! I was happy to see that you are still writing, and that your posts still always make me think! <3
Hi Bethany! Yes we have been blogging friends for a long time now haven’t we. And you deserve to be congratulated too because not that many that take a long break from blogging ever get back to it. Thank YOU for adding that bit about peace because it is definitely an important perspective on the idea. I try to remind myself and others that happiness doesn’t mean the giddy thrill that we get when riding a roller coaster or someone gives you an unexpected surprise (although it can be!) Instead I think it is that deep contentment and yes, peace that you mention when all feel okay and we recognize that we are and have enough. I hope that your Thanksgiving weekend is FILLED with the kind of peace that comes from knowing all is well. ~Kathy
Happy Thanksgiving, Kathy –
These are all truly wonderful quotes.
I especially like Sarah’s, “You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life.” Science and brain-research prove her words to be true.
Not to get all mushy on you at this time of year, but I believe that reading and engaging in your blog has also pushed my learning curve straight up! Thank you for your labour of love. It is GREATLY appreciated!
Hi Donna. Awwwww…such high praise from one of the SMARTer women I know 😉 Isn’t it great to keep encouraging each other? As I’ve told you before, you are one of the most generous and compassionate people/bloggers I know so I ALWAYS love to hear from you. I can always count on you for an uplifting post OR a comment and there aren’t that many others of us who can do the same. Thank you. ~Kathy
Now it’s my turn to blush! 😛 (Try as I may, I couldn’t find the proper emoji!)
Thank you for your very kind words. They mean a lot!
Hi Donna! I know…my emojis aren’t working now. what’s up with that. But what I said was all true. ~Kathy
I am grateful to read your Friday posts and become enlightened, educated, entertained and the happy blogging friendship I share with you! Since I am not a quote reader I enjoy when fabulous ones are brought to my attention. My favs would be 1 and 10.
Hi Haralee! Ahhh….thank you. Isn’t it funny with so many blogs in the blogosphere, and so many bloggers out there, that we find each other and something clicks? Even though your topics are often quite different than mine (and maybe that’s really good!) there is something about the way you write and what you write about that keeps me coming back to yours as well. So glad we found each other and I definitely count you as one of my “treasured” blogging friends. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! ~Kathy