Betty Thanksgiving Series: Part 4

A Grateful Heart

10 ways to give thanks and cultivate a grateful heart

-Mary Beth Sammons

It may sound corny, but it's true ... As Thanksgiving approaches, it is time for us to focus on what we're most thankful for, and say thank you. And in doing so, we create feelings of love, compassion and hope.

Here are 10 ways to say thanks and cultivate a grateful heart:

1. Simply acknowledge and recognize the things others have done to help you.

2. When you say "Thank you" tell the person specifically what it is you appreciate and why you appreciate it.

3. Let this quote inspire you: "Gratitude is the memory of the heart." - Jean Baptiste Massieu, translated from French.

4. Send a hand-written thank you note. So few of us take time to write and mail them that they become even more special.

5. Think thoughts of gratitude - two or three good things that happened today - and notice a calm settle through your head, at least for a moment. This activates a part of your brain that floods the body with endorphins, or feel-good hormones.

6. Remember the ways your life has been made easier or better because of others' efforts. Be aware of the good things, large and small, going on around you and acknowledge them.

7. Keep a gratitude journal. Set aside time each day to list the things/people you're grateful for today. The list may start out short, but will grow as you notice more of the good things around you.

8. Remember the simple law of attraction. Being grateful shakes you out of self-absorption and helps you recognize those who've done wonderful things for you. Expressing that gratitude continues to draw those people into your sphere.

9. Remember this: "When you learn teach, when you get, give." - Maya Angelou.

10. Join forces with others to do good in the world.

Read more about reaching out to others at Mary Beth Sammons' blog "We Carry Each Other."

More in the Betty Thanksgiving Series:

• 5 Things You Didn't Know about Thanksgiving
• Let Your Thanksgiving be Frenzy-Free
• Thanksgiving with the Stars