With the Thanksgiving holiday quickly approaching, I am once more faced with the challenge and opportunity of focusing on gratitude and giving thanks—for not only the things that work out but also for those that don’t. Don’t get me wrong. I have a lot to be thankful for this year. The One Decision trainings and Year of More program have touched hundreds of people around the country. I regularly get to hear about the beautiful transformations our students make in every aspect of their lives, and I am blessed with loving friends and family who continually amaze me with their support and care.

It’s easy to be grateful when things are good, but what about when they are not? While many things are going well in my life, I’ve faced some tough challenges—feeling stretched in every direction, supporting several people who are facing big life challenges, plus a long list of circumstances, situations, and crises that I don’t always feel thankful for. There is one thing I am sure certain of: Gratitude is a muscle that needs to be exercised. So this Thanksgiving I’m giving myself a personal workout challenge.

I’m using the season and the upcoming year to exercise my gratitude muscle. When things are going well, I’m working on really acknowledging the things I am thankful for—taking a moment to recognize what I can appreciate, speaking my gratitude out loud, letting people know how I feel. Then when I am faced with challenges, I’m far more likely to find something to appreciate about them — including all of the mistakes and blunders, all of the tragedies and upsets — everything that taught me something about myself and reminded me that I’m human.

This Thanksgiving, may you celebrate in your own personal way and create a holiday to remember. May you be grateful for all the ups and downs that shape who you are and who you are becoming. And I hope that you will start a tradition of meaningful celebration, whether it’s an intimate dinner for two, a lively gathering of the whole family, a day of celebrating yourself, or a time to serve others.

May you make this Thanksgiving the happiest yet!

Blessings,

Judith