Perhaps we could all use a little more tender love and care. Feeling gratitude is one of the most beneficial ways to feel more inner peace. We can’t control what happens around us or to us, but we can always control how we react. People who are grateful tend to be easier going, happier and more secure.

You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to give thanks. Here are 14 creative ways to practice more gratitude.

1. Write a handwritten letter to someone you’ve never properly thanked. Send by mail or hand-deliver, don’t email.
2. Create An Appreciation Calendar. Each day, write five things you’re grateful for and put it on a calendar.
3. Turn everything into a gift. Instead of your normal morning coffee, think of that cup as the gift of coffee. The gift of laughter. The gift of a smile.
4. Focus on something you’re looking forward to and be grateful.
5. Say “I am grateful for you,” to everything you touch today.
6. Enjoy the little things. With a small task you do today, such as washing your hands or texting a friend, ask yourself how your life would be without it.
7. Look in the mirror and say, “I appreciate you.” Or “I’m thankful for you.”
8. Reach out to an author whose book has changed your life and share your gratitude in an email or letter.
9. Share a positive post on social media about a friend, company or product you truly love.
10. Spend five minutes with your hand on your heart, appreciating you and all of your hard work
11. Donate your time or money to an organization or charity you believe in.
12. Make a list of ways you’ve impressed yourself lately. Think about what the challenges in your life have taught you. Be thankful for the blessing in the lesson.
13. Call your parents or children and tell them you appreciate them.
14. Send love to a force bigger than you, give thanks to your higher power.

What gets me up in the morning is YOU. You are my inspiration and why I do the work I do. All of my books, meditation albums, articles and online classes are to serve you.

I appreciate you with all of my heart. Some of you have been with me since day one. Remember playwiththeworld when it was just adventure videos –four years ago.

A lot has happened since I decided to walk away from depression, drugs and eating disorders to follow my heart and be a writer. And you, my readers, coaching clients and super supporters, touch my heart in ways you may never know. You keep me going. Thank you.

I sometimes cry tears of gratitude from your letters and emails that say my work has helped, healed and transformed you. I feel connected to each of you.

I am committed to you and in love with each of you for your uniqueness and brave hearts. I am proud of you for showing up each day and doing the best you can.

Please take a moment and really appreciate yourself. Thank you for being on this journey with me and allowing me to be your friend and guide.

FREE GIFTS FOR YOU

As a thank you for all of your support, I have three gifts just for you. Click each one to access the gifts:

• 3 Powerful Steps to Find Your Happy Live Lecture
• Excerpt from my new book Find Your Happy Daily Mantras
• Play With The World Manifesto Poster

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of my community.

With Love, Shannon

P.S. Starting on Nov 1, I am doing a Gratitude Practice on Social Media. You can join along in the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

To participate in gratitude challenge share the mantra I post on your favorite social media site using the hashtag #FindYourHappyGrateful

If you participate everyday you will receive a FREE ebook of my next book Find Your Happy Daily Mantras.

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