During the holiday season, many of us talk to our kids about how important it is to feel grateful for all the blessings in our lives. Sure, our lives are not perfect and we have very valid challenges and concerns. This year when so many are feeling the crunch of a struggling economy, it is even more important to turn our attention to a deep appreciation for what we do have.

What is so powerful about gratitude?

Gratitude attracts abundance. Okay, I know the "law of attraction" can seem hokey and a little too “new age” for some of us. But when it comes to gratitude, this is just simple cause and effect. When you are feeling grateful for what you do have, you tend to focus on the abundance in your life: your loving relationships, your health, your home, whatever really counts for you. And when you focus on these things, you just feel good. That feeling of goodness causes you to act differently than if you were focused on scarcity, challenges or all the things you don’t have. And when you are feeling blessed and abundant, you tend to take constructive, creative action and experience more positive results.

Gratitude inspires giving. When you appreciate the resources that you have, you tend to want to give more of your money, time and energy to others. This is a wonderful cycle because the more you give, the more you tend to feel grateful. Think about a time in your life when you volunteered for a cause that you a really believed in or gave funds towards helping someone in need. Didn’t that just inspire you to be more open and loving? And I bet in the end, you received as much as you gave!

Gratitude keeps you connected to your values. It is difficult to feel sorry for yourself, focus on the inconsequential things or act selfishly when you are feeling grateful. Gratitude reminds you what is important in your life - and challenges you to live from your values.

So, this year, as you gather with family and beloved friends, take some time to deeply reflect on your own sense of gratitude and be the person who inspires this kind of thinking in others.

Here are some questions for reflection and sharing:

• What was the best part of your day?


• When something wonderful happens, who is the first person you want to tell?


• What have you experienced in your life that you never thought was possible?


• What makes you most hopeful?


• When you are going through a tough time, who or what inspires you?