Living a Lifestyle You Love: Embracing JOY and Gratitude this Thanksgiving Season

The Power of Gratitude and Reflection

Gratitude is a transformative practice. It shifts our mindset from one of scarcity, lack, and complaining…to acknowledgement, abundance, and JOY. This allows us to see the richness of our lives, even during challenging times.

As you prepare for the season of Thanksgiving, consider taking some time each day to reflect on the aspects of your life that you’re thankful for.

One way to do this is to consider each life area:

Physical
Emotional
Spiritual
Relationships
Caree/business
Financial
Environmental
What else? A person? Place? Thing?

Now EXPRESS gratefulness for what you are grateful for. Don’t just feel grateful. BE grateful…for blessings, and yes…even hard times. We grow from them.

“Today, I am truly grateful for…”

Then take it one step further.

“Because…” and dig deeper in the expression of that!

And it’s totally okay to acknowledge any personal achievements, or small moments that bring you JOY.

This habit of reflection then expression of gratitude, not only nourishes a positive mindset but also brings clarity to what you truly value. You will see it surface. Others will too.

Here’s What I Know to Be True

I read something recently, and I totally agree: Gratitude cultivates a fertile ground for JOY.

When we focus on the good, and live our lives accordingly…we naturally experience more of it. This is how we set ourselves up for a life that feels well-orchestrated, rather than chaotic and overwhelming. There is power in gratitude expressed.

We acknowledge and express gratitude for what we’ve already received, AND for what’s to come. Yes…believing.

Mindset Shifts for True Fulfillment

As we navigate the final weeks of the year, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overdoing…chasing goals, meeting deadlines, and trying to “balance” professional demands with personal responsibilities.

I say, step away from that, grasshopper!

Shifting from a mindset of DOing to BEing can bring almost immediate peace. Embrace the present moment, and allow yourself to just BE. And then…you’ll naturally DO.

This doesn’t mean neglecting your responsibilities. Not at all. It means approaching them with a sense of presence and intentionality. Consider who you truly are! BE that, to DO well!

Orchestrating the Holiday Season

The term "orchestration" refers to conducting and arranging the various components of your life areas, to achieve harmony…by working together.

Unlike balance, that gives you a feeling of frustration…working on equal distribution of time and energy…orchestration acknowledges that different areas of your life will demand more attention at various times…and that’s okay!

The goal is to create, facilitate, and walk in a rhythm that feels natural and fulfilling.

Practice Orchestration, Not Balance

Have I said this enough? LOL

Instead of trying to evenly distribute your time and energy across work, family, and personal projects, ask yourself:

“Which aspects need my focus as the year winds down? How can I orchestrate this time well?”

Are there professional projects that require your creative attention? Is it a time to deepen family connections around the holiday table? Can you step into a volunteer position for your community?

Whatever you choose to DO…BE intentional and authentic in prioritizing what matters most in each moment. Experience them!

Finding JOY in Authentic Living

Living life authentically means aligning your daily actions with your core values and beliefs. It also means taking those actions (steps) from a place of YOUR FULL identity. (If you’re not sure what that is or means…contact me!)

During this holiday season, reconnect with your full identity and discover what brings you genuine JOY. Seriously. Spend some time asking God, who you are in Him.

Are your current pursuits in harmony with who you were created to be?

This alignment is foundational to building and living a lifestyle you love.

My Encouragement to You

Let this Thanksgiving be a time of renewal and recommitment to your authentic self…who God created you to BE. The JOY that flows from living true to who and whose you are, is transformative.

Yes…it impacts not just your personal fulfillment but also your professional success.

Building Momentum for the New Year

As we transition from this reflective season to the promise of a new year, momentum becomes key. Embrace this time to set intentions for the new year. This is NOT focusing on a laundry list of resolutions…but on the overarching themes and feelings you wish to cultivate…at home, at work, AND in your community!

Key Areas to Focus On

Identity: Do you know your full identity? Do you know how to BE? Reflect on the steps you can take to become more aligned with your true self.
Momentum: What small, actionable steps can you implement now, to carry you into the new year with clarity, consistency, and strength?
Bridges: Identify, or even build the necessary bridges to close the gap between where you are and where you’re going.
Partnering: Who can you share this walk with? A coach, mentor, pastor, friend? God?

The Impact of Community and Support

One of the greatest JOYs of the holiday season is the opportunity to connect with family, friends, and community. Whether it’s a shared meal, a phone call, or a virtual gathering (I love these!), human connection is a source of strength and JOY.

So many, right in our own areas, don’t have this. How can you connect with those around you and share?

This sense of community can also extend to professional networks as well.

Having a support system is crucial as you navigate both the challenges and victories of your journey forward. Don't think, feel like, or even settle for walking your journey alone.

To Inspire You

Throughout my own journey, I’ve experienced the power of transformation where there is support. I’ve witnessed the same for my clients. Those who have embraced guidance, mentorship, or coaching…and walked the path of identity and mindset shifts…experience an impactful sense of peace and fulfillment, with simple step solutions.

Their success stories testify of the incredible, JOY-ous possibilities that are there for us, when we live authentically, consciously...JOY-Fully.

Will YOUR story be next?

Embrace the JOY of the Season

As you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, remember that the lifestyle you love is within reach. It begins with clarity, mindset shifts, purposeful orchestration of your life’s components, and embracing authentic living with intentional actions.

This holiday season, I pray that you find JOY in the simplicity and power of expressing gratitude, clarity in your intentions for the future, and peace in the present moment.

If you want to experience a breakthrough for your "next" level of yourself...personally and professionally...schedule your Bridge to Breakthrough Chat, and let's see how to get you there.

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I'll meet you on the bridge!

Deni