"Gratitude turns what you have into enough."
– Unknown
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Thanksgiving week seems like a great time to focus on gratitude and the ways it makes our lives better. It is without a doubt, my favorite holiday. What is it about the day? Well, it’s all about food and family, and people just seem a little nicer, kinder and gentler.
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I feel I’ve lived a pretty fortunate life, and I definitely have gratitude for that. I like the idea that gratitude as a practice is something to do every day. Of course, this is sometimes easier said than done! When I’m going through something tough, it’s harder for me to feel gratitude--and of course, when I’m top on top of the world, gratitude abounds. Obviously, I’m a work in progress. I like the idea of looking at gratitude from other perspectives, so I’ve invited some amazing people to join me this week.
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More than a dozen years ago, I was introduced to the book The Four Agreements, when Patrick’s teacher taught the fourth graders the principles, which are simple yet so profound. I was absolutely delighted to have the author, Miguel Ruiz, contribute to this issue! I’ve also included friends, authors, a cancer survivor and community members.
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Gratitude is one of the greatest expressions of love. When we master gratitude, we give our love generously because we know there is no end to our love. Today is a wonderful day to be grateful, to express all the gratitude that is in your heart. The more you practice gratitude, the more you see how much there is to be grateful for, and your life becomes an ongoing celebration of joy and happiness. I suggest that we live the rest of our lives with gratitude and appreciation for what we receive just by being alive. Just being alive, just the pleasure of breathing, is enough to fill our hearts with gratitude.
don Miguel Ruiz, Author of The Four Agreements
miguelruiz.com
@donmiguelruiz
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“Ah, I’m in the recovery room,” I realized, then immediately peeked under the neck of my gown to see what my post-mastectomy body looked like. Beyond the tubes and bandages, and beyond the loss and the fear, I still recognized me. In that moment, I was overcome with a sense of well-being. “I am already whole,” I thought, “the rest is just time.” Changes in relationships, money, achievement, or health can be devastating in circumstance and in wholeness. I’d been challenged by all at once, and that may have been the power of it. I was overcome with gratitude for all I had, regardless of my health outcome. In a single moment, the phrase I awakened to, I am already whole, ushered me across a threshold.
Cecily Sommers, Cancer Survivor, Author - Think Like a Futurist
cecilysommers.com
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Gratitude is like magic when it comes to easing stress and worry. I look at gratitude as a financial strategy. If you find yourself freaking out about money just take a moment and reflect on what you are grateful for. Studies have shown that grateful people are not only happier but they make more money!
Ellen Rogin, CPA, CFP®
ellenrogin.com
Co-Author of the New York Times bestseller Picture Your Prosperity: Smart Money Moves to Turn Your Vision into Reality
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A few years back, I observed gratitude in its purest form while on a medical mission trip to a remote village in Uganda. Many of families I met there lacked material necessities such as shoes or clean clothes. Yet, the Ugandan people were some of the happiest, full-hearted individuals I have met. Their attitudes were a product of the value they placed on health, family and community, which created this immeasurable gratitude for life. I am inspired by this memory in my everyday practice as a pediatrician and remind myself and my patients to take time each day to appreciate these things.
Tina Tarazi, MD, Pediatrician
One of the Three T Sisters of the Middle Eastern inspired food blog, Three Teas Kitchen
@threeeteaskitchen
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Ancient philosophers and contemporary scientists agree: gratitude is a critical element to a happy life.
Research shows that people who cultivate gratitude get a boost in happiness and optimism, feel more connected to other people, are better-liked and have more friends, are more likely to help others—they even sleep better and have fewer headaches.
Every morning, when I take my dog Barnaby for his walk, I remind myself to be grateful: for the morning light, for New York City which I love, for the quiet that will soon turn noisy. What’s your reminder to be grateful?
Gretchen Rubin, Best Selling Author, The Happiness Project
gretchenrubin.com
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I believe that life is full of what you look for in it. Sometimes when life feels unfair or unbearably sad, it can be really difficult to feel genuine gratitude. For me, the path to happiness is focusing on the good in our lives, even when it feels small, temporary or outweighed by pain. Stories from Corrie ten Boom’s WWII memoir, The Hiding Place, convinced me that even the most tragic situations can be reframed as an opportunity for some small slice of gratitude, and The Five Minute Journal gives me a framework for reflecting on gratitude daily.
Bobbi Anderson, friend of Teri
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We are so excited to share a gift of a Justin Blue mini prep bowl with each purchase made in the nocrumbsleft store. This offer is good for the first 100 orders - so get shopping! Click below to shop and get yours!
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LIMITED EDITION MIDNIGHT MARINATED ONION BOWL!!
We are doing just one run of this Midnight Edition for sale THIS MONDAY!! Direct message me HERE to reserve yours.
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THIS WEEK'S GIVEAWAY
This week we are going to share this beautiful Le Creuset cast iron skillet with one lucky winner! Click below to enter!
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This week's favorite recipe - Dorothy's Holiday Cheese Platter. Perfect to serve as and appetizer or snack for Saturday dinner with the family.
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THIS WEEK'S nocrumbsleft TABLE TALKS PODCAST
S2:E5 Sometimes Our Dragons Help Us
In this episode, Dallas Graham of the Red Fred Project talks about the foundation that publishes books by kids with life-threatening illnesses, where his project began and where it’s going, and the wisdom he’s received along the way.
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The cookbook is available for $15 on Amazon. (But it's even better if you can buy it at your local book store!)
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