Thanksgiving has become a time to enjoy family, football and food — and unplugging from the hectic day-to-day.

But it can be so much more when you operate with intention.

Here are five ways to practice gratitude this week of Thanksgiving, with some examples on how our family walks the talk.

1. Share Gratitude with Others

• Express your thanks directly to loved ones and people important to you—look them in the eyes and give your thanks. Or write a heartfelt note or email.

• During Thanksgiving dinner, invite everyone to share something they are grateful for this year. (One of our traditions.)

• Everyone you meet this week, including strangers, greet them with joy and a hello. (Pay it forward like my wife does.)

2. Volunteer or Give Back

• Spend time helping others in need, at a local shelter or food bank, or simply helping someone in your community.

• Donate to causes that resonate with you: give food, clothing, and financial support.

(My wife has adopted two indigents who beg on a street near us, she supplies them with items they need to furnish their tiny (!) rooms. She learns their stories and treats them with dignity.)

• Adopt a family and help them pay for their Thanksgiving.

If every family of means adopted just one needy family in their town, our country would be a better place. Meredith Albasi – on our Jeffrey Scott Team – has done this with profound impact. It is our plan to do the same.

3. Practice Mindfulness

• Take a moment each morning to reflect on your blessings. Write them down.

• Try a short 10 min gratitude-focused meditation before to center yourself heading out into the world.

• Simply list the positive happenings in your life when you feel anxious or worried about something negative. (This always works for me.)

4. Connect with Nature

• Go for a hike to appreciate the beauty around you and disconnect. (My family will go on a long hike with our 3 dogs on Thanksgiving Day)

• Collect items from nature to create a Thanksgiving centerpiece as a reminder of abundance.

5. Cook, Bake or Grill with Intention

• As you prepare food for the holiday, think about the people who made it possible.

We buy locally sourced food when we can, to make that direct connection. We have a butcher we just discovered in Ellijay, GA. They are super friendly and creative.

• Invite someone to your dinner table, who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.

• Invite your kids/sibs to cook alongside you. (Our kids each make their own dish, while I smoke my Prime Rib. It is a family affair.)

Your Challenge – Remain Generous in this busy time.

To those that have much, mush is expected.

The most important human trait is to be generous.

It’s a quality of the most successful people I know!

Wishing you a loving and joyful holiday week, from our family to yours!

Jeffrey & Corine