The mornings are chilly, the leaves have changed color, harvest is almost complete, and the daylight disappears a little earlier every day. The month of November has different meanings depending on who or where you are. 

The retail world has packed up all of the summer and most of the fall merchandise. Halloween items have been clearance and Christmas is everywhere. 

In the farming community, harvest is wrapping up. It’s time to clean up the machines and prepare for colder months ahead.

The social media community (whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram) has embraced the 30 day challenges all revolving around the common theme of thankfulness. 

I love that for one month each year, we all wake up and realize that no matter what, we all have something to be thankful for. Isn’t it sad though that the rest of the year, we get so caught up in “doing” that we forget about “being”? What would happen if all of us embraced this season of thankfulness and lived it every day, not just when we look at the calendar and see that Thanksgiving is quickly approaching?

Have you ever wanted to show your gratitude, but aren’t sure what to do? Here are a few ideas to show your thankfulness throughout the year, not just during the month of November!

• Pick up the phone and make a phone call or go visit in person! Tell someone how much you appreciate them, what they have done for you and let them know that your life is blessed because of them. 
• Send a handwritten note or card.  Between text messages and email, many people don’t send cards anymore, let alone handwritten letters. It is really special to receive cards and letters from those who are important to us!
• Give back by volunteering, the possibilities are endless! 
  • Volunteer to help serve a meal at the Salvation Army, or Knights of Columbus  instead of cooking a big holiday meal at your own home. 
  • Go visit a nursing home. Talk to the residents there. It may be the only visit they have received in a long time!
  • Does your local Boy or Girl Scouts need volunteers to help with meetings or events? 
  • Does your church need help with youth groups? 
  • Can you volunteer at a local museum or animal rescue shelter?
  • Can you help kids through programs like Big Brother, Big Sister?
• If time is a problem, donating is a great way to demonstrate thankfulness!
  • Collect items for a local food pantry.
  • Do you have shelters in your area? Call and see what they need! Chances are you have some of those items in your own home!
  • Make a package for soldiers serving overseas.
  • Be creative, there are so many organizations that are in need, find the one that is the most meaningful for you!

What are your favorite ways to express thankfulness to others?