Give Thanks, Get Happy

 

Thanksgiving is on its way which, for many, marks the beginning of the holiday season. And sometimes, the hustle of getting shopping done, planning meals, traveling, stressing about schedules and getting everything done can really overshadow the essence of the season, right? If you've forgotten what Thanksgiving all is about, like I am prone to do, and need to take a step back and remember, the act of actually giving thanks, can help in all sorts of ways.  

Being thankful isn't a new thing and it definitely shouldn't be relegated to one Thursday a year late in November.  But in the shadow of business or complicated family dynamics or feelings of loneliness, being thankful can be low priority. 

However, if we make the practice of giving thanks high priority, according to a Harvard study, "gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships."

Worth it, right? 

So how can we bring the attitude of gratitude into our daily lives? Let me offer a few simple (and quick) ways.

1. Start a Gratitude Journal. I kid you not, I have a piece of paper in my nightstand that I write one thing I'm thankful for a day before I go to bed. I didn't even take the time to get an actual notebook...and you know what? It doesn't matter...it's still practicing gratefulness.

2. Set an Alarm. On the hour, every (waking) hour, when the alarm goes off, say something for which you're thankful. I'm starting this with my kiddos during Thanksgiving break...and we are going to use "Alexa" because it's more fun than way. 

3. Phone (or text) a Friend. Find someone who you can text something your thankful for each day and vice versa...a built-in accountability partner.

4. Get Social. Post daily something you give thanks for...invite others to join.

5. Stop Light/Sign. Drive, walk, bike, run a lot (or at all)? Each time you stop at a stop light or stop sign, give thanks!

6. On the mile or minute. During your runs/walks/workouts when you hit a quarter mile or finish a lifting set, get grateful.

There are a million ways to do this, the point is just get started!

Today, I'm thankful for yummy candles and this soup. 

The Perfect Thanksgiving Brussels Sprouts

Normally, I only cook/bake the easiest, most lazy recipes, but this one is worth a little tiny bit of extra work. These are my two-step Brussels sprouts for any occasion...and one of the dishes I always bring to Thanksgiving. Not only are these delicious by themselves, but you can dress then up anyway you want. Bacon/maple, cherries/almonds, bacon/cranberries are some of my favorites.

What you need:

• fresh Brussels sprouts (the smaller the better and because I'm lazy, I like the ones you can buy that are pre-washed and trimmed)
• 2-4 TBSP olive or avocado oil
• salt and pepper (and any other spices you like)

What you do:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees
2. Slice your washed and trimmed sprouts in half.
3. Toss the sprouts in oil and salt and pepper until evenly coated
4. Spread the sprouts on a cookie sheet in one even layer
5. Roast those puppies for 20-30 minutes until they are brown and crispy. You'll have to toss them at least once during the roasting process.
6. Then...this is what makes them super duper tasty, throw them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400 degrees to crisp them up.*
7. SERVE!

*I throw my air fryer in my car if I'm bringing them to someone else's house and do this final step right before I serve the veggie. I also, have been known to do this step outside because they sometimes can be a bit stinky. 

Enjoy!