The most important thing I can teach you

Merry, Merry Christmas Eve!

Sending blessings to you and family over the holidays.

I wanted to share something very close to my heart on Christmas Eve, something that has changed my daily life for the better over the last eight years.

And that is learning to actively be grateful as much as I can.

Simply put, the seemingly modest act of being grateful can profoundly impact your well-being and your life.

I talk about many things in Coop + Run, from chickens to finances to teambuilding to combating loneliness. But beneath all of that, there is an engine of thankfulness that seems to make everything else a bit sweeter.

Let me explain.

Gratitude, (gratefulness, thankfulness, etc.) at its core, is an acknowledgment of the good in our lives. It's a recognition that, no matter how turbulent or challenging our circumstances, there is always something to be thankful for.

It might be as simple as a warm cup of coffee on a cold morning, a kind text from a friend, or the sight of a beautiful sunset. These moments, often overlooked, are the gems that enrich our daily existence.

It sounds a bit “pie-in-the-sky” to consider gratitude something to be consciously aware of. It’s a nice abstract thought that flees after a second.

But in practice, active gratitude is anything but fleeting; it is a deeply powerful habit. Numerous studies have shown that practicing gratitude can lead to a happier, healthier life, fuller relationships, and a sense of control over our habits, emotions, and well-being. It's not just a feel-good theory; it's backed by decades of research.

When we take the time to actively appreciate the good in our lives, we shift our focus from what we lack to what we have. This shift in perspective has a cascading effect on our overall well-being. It reduces stress, enhances our mood, and fosters a sense of inner peace. It’s science.

Moreover, gratitude has the power to transform our interactions with others. When we express gratitude, we build stronger, more meaningful connections. It’s not just about saying "thank you" but about genuinely recognizing the value of others' actions and the impact they have on our lives. This recognition nurtures empathy and kindness, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond our immediate circle.

So, how can we actively practice gratitude in our daily lives?

I’d say that it starts with mindfulness. This word means different things to different people, but I mean it in a very simple, non-religious sense.

Being mindful means being fully present in the moment, aware of ourselves, our surroundings, and our feelings. It's in this state of awareness that we can remember to be grateful, to truly appreciate the beauty and goodness around us.

Take a moment each day to reflect on something (or five things) you're grateful for. It could be as simple as a peaceful morning or as significant as the support of a loved one.

For many, this active pause can take on a spiritual dimension, through prayer or contemplation or worship. Maybe that will be you this Christmas or holiday season.

Do this time and again, as many times as you can remember, throughout the day. Stop, pause, appreciate. Rinse and repeat when it next comes to mind.

Another way to cultivate gratitude is through journaling. Keeping a gratitude journal is a simple yet powerful practice. Every day, write down three things you're thankful for. These don't have to be grand or extraordinary; often, it's the small, everyday experiences that bring us the most joy. Over time, this practice can shift your mindset and help you recognize the abundance of blessings in your life.

Gratitude also involves acknowledging the hardships and learning to find the silver lining. Life is fraught with challenges, and it's natural to feel overwhelmed or disheartened at times.

However, by looking for the lessons or the hidden blessings in difficult situations, we can maintain a sense of gratitude even in the face of adversity. It's about finding that sliver of light in the darkness, that lesson in the struggle.

Moreover, expressing gratitude to others is just as important as feeling it. A simple "thank you," a note of appreciation, or a gesture of kindness can make a significant difference in someone's day. It's these acts of gratitude that forge stronger bonds and create a more compassionate world.

I’ve shared 3 things that make me grateful with one particular friend nearly every day for the last eight years. It has changed my life. Go find your partner!

Gratitude isn't just about the big, life-changing moments; it's about the everyday miracles that often go unnoticed. It's about savoring the taste of a delicious meal, enjoying the laughter of friends, or feeling the warmth of the sun on your face. These moments, when acknowledged and appreciated, add richness and depth to our lives.

In addition, teaching the transformative practice of gratitude to the younger generation is vital. By modeling gratitude and encouraging young people to recognize and express it, we help them develop a positive outlook on life. Grateful children are more likely to grow into empathetic, content, and kind adults. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, shaping a future generation that values and appreciates the good in their lives and in the world.

Being grateful is about more than just acknowledging the good in our lives. It's a mindset, a way of seeing the world that opens our hearts to joy and our minds to positivity. It's a practice that, when embraced, can transform not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us. Gratitude is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of a fulfilled, contented life.

So, as we navigate through our days, let's take a moment to pause and be grateful. Let's appreciate the beauty in the ordinary, find joy in the small things, and express our gratitude to those who make our lives better. In doing so, we create a life that's not only happier and more fulfilling but also one that radiates positivity and kindness to the world around us.

In conclusion, gratitude is more than just a feel-good emotion; it's a transformative force. It changes how we see the world and interact with others. By incorporating gratitude into our daily lives, we open ourselves up to a world of positivity, joy, and fulfillment.

I encourage you to embrace this practice and make gratitude an integral part of our journey, a journey that's not only about reaching destinations but also about appreciating the beauty along the way.

I’ve shared 3 things that make me grateful with one particular friend nearly every day for the last eight years. It has changed my life.

Find your partner and take up this journey alongside me; you’ll be grateful you did.

Merry Christmas,

Avery Conrad