As we celebrate today and the spirit of giving, it's a fitting time to reflect on what we are grateful for and the deeper layers of our gratitude.

Often, we express thanks for our family, friends, health, and accomplishments, yet rarely do we pause to consider the profound emotions and experiences underlying these sentiments.

Let's uncover the layers within our gratitude, exploring what moves and drives our thankfulness and how this deeper understanding can enrich our lives.

• The Surface of Gratitude - Gratitude often starts at the surface. We feel thankful for tangible blessings: a loving family, a successful career, or perhaps a personal achievement. For instance, you might feel grateful for the support you received during a difficult challenge you recently faced. This initial gratitude is genuine yet on the surface. Even during the most challenging times, recognizing the ability to breathe as you step outside in the sunshine may inspire gratitude for God and nature.

• The Connection of Gratitude - Connecting and bridging to a more meaningful level of gratitude requires pause and reflection to explore more awareness. When feeling proud of an achievement, you may ask, "What aspect of achieving this makes me proud?" It may be acknowledging your effort, support from a colleague, the personal growth experienced, or the impact on others. Exploring the meaning behind our emotions is a bridge, uncovering the fundamental values and beliefs underpinning our gratitude. Such introspective bridging leads to a richer, more intentional, and nuanced appreciation of our lives.

• The Heart of Gratitude - When we examine our feelings further, we often find that our gratitude is rooted in complex emotions and values. For example, pride in our achievements might stem from a deep-seated value of perseverance or a desire to contribute positively to the world. This realization can shift our perspective, enhancing our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

Gratitude Reflection

In my daily gratitude practice (throughout the day), I pause asking questions like:

"What am I most grateful for today?"
"What about that makes me grateful?"
"How does that make me feel?"

This gratitude is bridged from a deeper level, reflecting my appreciation for human connection, empathy, awe, and wonder regarding shared human experience.

Recognizing these underlying values enriches my sense of thankfulness, turning a simple "thank you" I may share into communicating a more expressive appreciation for my gratitude, like "The way you listened and gave me the space to talk through this difficult time brought me so much peace and meant the world to me."

Deeper Awareness

Understanding the deeper meanings behind our gratitude, thoughts, emotions, and feelings does more than enrich our lives; it strengthens empathy and connection with ourselves and others.

As we embrace our lives as a beautifully woven tapestry of experiences and emotions, our relationships and interactions become more meaningful. Deepening awareness within ourselves also inspires and enriches our appreciation for even the small things and our choices, influencing how we love, support, and give to others. It's a transformative process that enhances our personal growth and amplifies our capacity to contribute positively to the lives around us, fostering a cycle of generosity and compassion.

As we wrap up the "Three Layers of Gratitude,"

I hope it has inspired you to deepen your understanding of gratitude.

To further this journey, I'm offering a complimentary 30-page "Gratitude, Reflection Journal" designed to help you explore and deepen your connection to gratitude, thoughts, and emotions, fostering a practice of more intentional self-awareness.

May this holiday season and journal support your journey towards a more prosperous, aligned journey ahead!

Warmest wishes for a meaningful, and bright Holiday Season,
Marilyn 💚