November is here, and all of you on social media have undoubtedly seen (or written) a post that goes something like this:  Day 5- today I am grateful for (insert whatever it is your grateful for).  Each year I see these posts, and each year I think to myself, SIGH… I am very happy that everyone is so grateful, and like to express said gratitude, -BUT, you don’t have to only express this gratitude in November- YOU CAN DO IT EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR! I know, I know, but November is when Thanksgiving is– but thanks can be given on all 365 days- even if there’s no stuffing and gravy (although I’m a believer in year-round stuffing and gravy).

Today (yes, today!) is my two-year anniversary of being cancer-free.  I’ve always considered myself a grateful person, but after getting through the past two years, I’ve really been schooled on what gratitude is, and why we should AWAYS express it.

Everyone, everywhere has/is/will be going through something- and we should never forget that.  That’s why I’ve made a list of little things we can all do to express our gratitude in seemingly mundane, everyday situations, with quotes that sum it all up…

Hold the door for someone, and thank the person who holds the door for you 

Chivalry is not dead, nor is it only allocated to men.  People, hold that door for your friend, get the door for that old person who’s having trouble walking up the ramp to the restaurant, say Thank You when it is done for you.  Gratitude is expressed in many ways, not just words.

“Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy.” – Jacques Maritain

Smile! People may think you’re crazy, but for others- it’ll make their day

Again, gratitude is not only expressed in words…

“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” – Albert Schweitzer

Pay It Forward

Did someone do something nice for you?  Sure, you can say Thank You and be done with it, but why not express your gratitude and spark someone else’s by DOING something nice for someone else?  Random acts of kindness are just little bursts of gratitude that spontaneously erupt from our souls! 

“Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude.” – Albert Schweitzer

Say “Thank You” to those who may not get thanked very often

         -Did the busboy just fill your water glass/ coffee/etc?  “Thanks”

         -Has someone just let you go ahead in line because you only have one item?  Thank You!”

         -Just handed your GrubHub order? “Thanks so much!”

         -Someone moved their cart so you can get down the aisle? “Thank You!”

“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or    take them with gratitude.” ― G.K. Chesterton

Start each day as an opportunity to be thankful for what you have

Every morning that we wake up, we should be grateful.  Hey- not everyone has the privilege of growing older, or reaching certain milestones in life.  Be thankful that you DO, and know that whatever you may be going through is but a roadblock on the road to full gratitude.

“What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.” – Brene Brown

Well, I could go on, but…I’m grateful for what I’ve written, lololol!  My wish for each of you is to have abundance in love, health, happiness and GRATITUDE, at this Thanksgiving, and all year round.  Be good to each other! 


Jennifer Angarano Ricci is a wife, mother & creative soul-searcher.  She is a musician, artist, and baker, and runs her home business Baked By Jen, in addition to running her local community theater group.  She loves to sing, create and help others and tries to connect all three passions whenever possible.

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