As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting deeply on the power of gratitude—a cornerstone of resilience, joy, and growth. It’s a season that calls us to pause, look around, and take stock of the gifts we already have.
🙏 And yet, gratitude is not just a passive act of acknowledging what we receive; it’s a powerful choice that shapes the very essence of our lives. 💖
In my book, Moments of the Heart, I explore the many facets of human connection—to ourselves, to others, and to something greater than ourselves. Gratitude is like the beating heart that sustains these connections.
❤️ It has the power to transform our perspective, from scarcity to abundance, from fear to hope, from anxiety to calm. 🌱✨ When we choose to be grateful, we are choosing joy, even when life presents us with challenges. 🌟
In Jewish wisdom, the concept of gratitude, or “hakarat hatov,” is about recognizing the good that already exists in our lives. This recognition is not limited to grand gestures or once-in-a-year holidays, but it’s woven into the everyday lives, demonstrated by the actions we take.
Each morning, I begin our day with a simple prayer of gratitude: “Modeh Ani.” I thank. I acknowledge that I am still here. I recognize that just the act of waking up is worthy of appreciation. 🌞 These moments of gratitude are the stepping stones to cultivating resilience in our minds and hearts. 🧠💪
I do not believein things just happening in random. And the fact that I found Positive intellgience in the time of my life that it showed up is not by chance. I got it because I needed it. It was a pandemic time, a time where I did not know where life would lead me as I left my work in education but could not speak in public due to the constraints of the time. I needed to see the light, to see the goodness.. to be resilient, grow and strengthen my own mindset.
Research from Positive Intelligence also tells us that building a mental fitness practice—a practice that includes gratitude—rewires our brain to look for the positive.
This shift doesn’t mean ignoring the hardships or challenges we face, but it means framing them through a different lens: ➤ What can I learn from this? ➤ How can I grow? ➤ What is one small thing in this moment that I can be grateful for?
And we have so much to be thankful for!
As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, whether in person or in spirit, let’s take the opportunity to share our gratitude with those around us. It might be a simple “thank you” for something small, or a deeper acknowledgment of the impact someone has had in your life. 🤗 Let’s use this holiday as a catalyst to strengthen our connections, to open our hearts wider, and to recognize the joy that already lives within us. 🎉
Here are four ways to increase your gratitude:
1. 📓 Start a Gratitude Journal: there is nothing like writing things down! Take a few minutes each day to write down three things you are grateful for. They can be as simple as a good cup of coffee or as profound as a supportive friend. Writing them down helps solidify these positive moments in your mind.
2. 💌 Express Gratitude to Others: Make it a habit to express appreciation to the people around you. Whether it’s a quick note, a text, or a face-to-face conversation, letting others know you value them deepens your relationships and spreads positivity.
3. 🧘♀️ Practice Mindful Gratitude through the use of PQ: Set aside a few minutes each day to close your eyes, take deep breaths, and focus on one thing you’re grateful for. Allow yourself to fully experience the positive emotions that come with that thought.
4. 🔄 Reframe Challenges as Opportunities: When facing a difficult situation, try to find at least one positive aspect or lesson. This practice of reframing helps you appreciate growth and resilience, even during tough times.
Gratitude is a practice that invites us to choose—choose to see the good, choose to express it, and choose to create joy.
And what a better time to start than this Thanksgiving?
PS: If you enjoyed this email, don’t keep me a secret- please share it and always connect if you have a need for a speaker!
As always,
Be Yourself, Be Positive, Be the Champion you want to see
About Dorice Horenstein
Dorice Horenstein, renowned as the “Oy to Joy” International Resilience Speaker, transforms tactics into practical strategies! As a Positive Intelligence expert and best-selling author of Moments of the Heart: Four Relationships Everyone Should Have to Live Wholeheartedly, Dorice energizes and motivates global audiences to uncover their inner champions. With a background in educational leadership, she has made the world her platform, fostering positive cultures by empowering individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find joy, leading to personal and professional growth.
Dorice Horenstein, renowned as the “Oy to Joy” International Resilience Speaker, transforms tactics into practical strategies! As a Positive Intelligence expert and best-selling author of Moments of the Heart: Four Relationships Everyone Should Have to Live Wholeheartedly, Dorice energizes and motivates global audiences to uncover their inner champions. With a background in educational leadership, she has made the world her platform, fostering positive cultures by empowering individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find joy, leading to personal and professional growth.
Dorice is a dynamic speaker whose energy and charisma have a global impact. Her core superpower is her ability to present, train, and coach effectively. She redefines “T.E.A.M.” as “Together Everyone’s Attributes are Magnified,” inspiring others to recognize their strengths, enhance effectiveness, and joyfully step into their destined leadership roles. Her mission is to cultivate healthy, positive relationships that reduce stress, increase retention rates, and create a more positive culture both at work and at home.
