Why November Can Be Your Best Month

If you had to pick a favorite month of the year, would November even be in your top 5?

Think about it. Most people would pick April, May, or June.  Then they’ll skip the hot months, and then pick September or October.  That’s their top 5. But November?  It often gets the short end of the stick. At least in the U.S. and Canada.

When you think November…

• You might think the coming cold.
• You might think fall time change and dark afternoons
• You might think about leaves to rake
• You might think about election flyers jamming your mailbox
• You might think about black Friday mayhem, or people not shaving.

But what if November was much more than those things?  What if November was YOUR favorite month?

Think of the magic that happens in November

There’s lots of reason to love it, like the color of the leaves, the beautiful mornings, the electric energy of football, the smell of hot chocolate, the breakout of sweaters, or the recognition of our military with Veteran’s day.    But perhaps the best reason is Thanksgiving.  The day is about food, family, and fellowship.  Both the U.S. and Canada celebrate Thanksgiving in the month November (different days). 

But why just one day?

The Challenge

Thanksgiving Day was created to celebrate the harvest and other blessings of the past year.  But don’t we need more than one day to do that? 

What if Thanksgiving – “the giving thanks” part -- was all month long? Seriously!  Imagine the mindset shift culturally for all of us if we took time to give thanks daily.  For the entire month. 

And it could start with a daily prompt of reflection and intention. 

Yesterday I was thankful for _______.

Today I’m thankful for _______.

That’s it.  

I challenge you to try this little exercise for 2 minutes a day from this day forward until the end of the month.  Seriously!  If it helps, post what you are thankful for on your Social media – that might compel others to join you.  Watch the impact of your blessing.

The Benefits

Think of also the benefits of Giving Thanks and sharing thanks.

Medical research says that “when we express gratitude and receive the same, our brain releases something called dopamine and serotonin, which are two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for our emotions; they make you feel 'good' – more so than the food that you eat.   When we give thanks, it enhances our mood immediately.  It makes us feel happier from the inside out – and it’s contagious in a good way. 

My Uncle Jay once told me, “your outlook drives your output, and your output always comes back aground as input.”  It was his secret of success. Giving thanks will pay dividends for you.   Just try it.

Here’s what I know, Intentional Living starts with Intentional Thanks Giving.   <- Tweet that.

I know I’m posting this 1 week into the month already, but that’s okay.   It’s never too late to start giving thanks. So there it is.   There’s no excuse not to start this

There’s always something to be thankful for.  What are you thankful for?

Thanks Giving starts now!  Let’s make a difference.