Over the past few years I’ve travelled the world looking for inspiration for my books and what I have learned after visiting 52 countries is that no matter where you are in the world, no matter where you come from, what you look like, what you do for a living (or don’t do) and what you believe in (or don’t believe in), we all want the same thing, to be loved and appreciated.
This Thanksgiving let’s give each other the gift we all need most, understanding and kindness.
To truly do this we can come together and put our differences aside. The holidays, as lovely as they are can be, are a source of tension for many, family members with different points of views and expectations are often the unspoken undertones of get togethers.
You don’t have to let your stress get the best of you. This holiday, be grateful for what you do have by looking for the good in each person. As we unite we will feel more love for others and ourselves. Life isn’t necessary about everyone being on the same page and seeing eye to eye, perhaps it is more about understanding and compassion. Instead of making everyone see things the way you do (or getting bent out of shape for the relative who demands you see their perspective) try appreciating one another for who they are and what they care about. There is always rom for appreciation. We just need to practice it, like meditation, or eating healthy.
Appreciation is a practice one that we can cultivate daily.
Turning inward to the loving voice within will help you stay classy and graceful this holiday season. Here are some powerful mantras to celebrate and repeat this Thanksgiving. Feel free to pick one and say over the dinner table or simple repeat to yourself before you enter the family gathering.
Reflections on letting go of negativity:
Mantra: “Thank you for the gift of life and all of the learning that comes with it.”
“Today I celebrate all that I am as I let go of what no longer serves me. I release limiting beliefs, behaviors, self-sabotaging habits, judgments, concerns and all worries. I surrender to the full experience of life, and allow more love in. I dedicate myself to becoming more aware as I show up more fully with compassion and grace. I choose not to condemn those who see things differently but instead seek to understand. I celebrate the gift of life and all of my friends and family for they are beautiful as they are. I choose to unite today with loved ones and release all shame, confusion worry and mistrust. I see everyone as equal and deserving as we give thanks together. I am thankful for the diversity of planet earth for it gives me clarity. The contrast is not to be feared for I see it as a teacher to help me choose and be love. Thank you for the gift of life and all of the learning that comes with it. I release all negative perceptions and choose to be an example of what’s possible when we align with compassion and love.”
Reflections on kindness and understanding:
Mantra: “I show up with compassion and understanding.”
“Today I take time to reflect on this amazing, beautiful, wonderful, and awkward sometimes confusing life. I unite together to celebrate where I am today, and how far I have come in life. I am surrounded by people I care about and who care about me. Together we choose love. I believe in love and the power of kindness. I choose to be an example of what is possible when I show up with compassion and understanding. I remain positive as I focus on possibilities over limitations. I choose to see the good in everyone including me. I celebrate the journey and all of the people in my life. Life is always unfolding and giving me more opportunities to be an example of love. I choose to see the good in everyone, including myself and I am thankful for it all.”
Reflections on releasing fear of the future:
Mantra: “I choose faith and align with love.”
“I am thankful for the big picture. Because today I celebrate where I am. I know that everything is in divine order and all is as it should be. The Universe does not make mistakes; there are no wrongs to undo. I put my trust in the unknown and celebrate life more fully. I choose faith and to align with love. I trust that our life is unfolding in a manner that serves all of our highest good. I am thankful for what we have while we work towards what we want. I hold a vision of a positive future and all interactions to be aligned with love. I am thankful for the process for it is helping me become more of who I need to be. I trust the process and allow myself to be exactly where I am, instead of where I think I need to be. For all is in right order. I understand there are no mistakes, it is all learning. I learn from all of my past situations and continue to focus on the greater good. Instead of asking what can I get, I will ask what can I give. I unite together with loved ones to give thanks and celebrate all that we have been, all that we are, and all that we are becoming. Thank you.”
These mantras inspired by my Find Your Happy Daily Mantras card deck and book.
