Despite the crazy year we’ve had (I’m looking at you, Covid-19!), it’s so important to keep your focus on the things that create joy in your life. As the holiday season approaches and you realize that you need to reinvent your celebrations this year, try not to dwell on what you might miss out on. Instead, think about ways to be grateful during the holidays.  Gratitude is a word that’s thrown around a lot. Given the current climate, you might be struggling to find things to be grateful for. Perhaps you try to stay positive but can’t think of ways to express those feelings.  And don’t think I can’t hear you saying, “Hey! What have I got to be grateful for? 2020 has been a disaster!”  Stepping away from our emotions for a minute lets us look objectively at our situation. It's vital for your own well-being that the big picture doesn’t overshadow all the small details. What do you have to be grateful for? Your health, your home, heart flutters at morning birdsong, the smells that take you on a sensory journey, the knowledge that your loved ones are safe, food on the table?  Gratitude is not just a state of mind. It brings many emotional and physical health benefits with it. It’s also the foundation of strong relationships and communities. By taking the time to come up with thoughtful and new ways to be grateful and express your gratitude to and for others, you sustain the lifeline that many will be reaching for during the holidays.  So what are you grateful for? And how will you be showing your gratitude this holiday season? Listen in to this episode for some new ideas on ways to be grateful, express gratitude, and find out just what it does for your overall health. Click here to listen! Rating, Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “Heike’s insights are so helpful in creating a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle. I love all the Pursue Your Spark episodes.” <- If that sounds like you, consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more women – just like you – to start a healthy and strong midlife. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let me know what you loved most about the episode! If you are not subscribed to the podcast yet, please do so. Be part of the journey, my strong and inspiring guest share, and how they took charge of their destiny. Subscribe now!   Links mentioned in this episode: 4 Week Lean Out Program My YouTube Channel Spark Fitness membership Gratitude prompts worksheet Other ways to enjoy this episode: APPLE PODCAST / STITCHER / SPOTIFY / GOOGLE PLAY / iHeartRADIO / AMAZON MUSIC / LISTEN NOTES For more episodes, click here