It is important to realize that expressing gratitude does not have to be complicated.

Gratitude simply expresses your appreciation and shows the respect you have for others so keep it simple.  It doesn’t have to be extravagant or cost money – just express it and you will reap the wave of benefits. It just feels good!

By focusing on an attitude of gratitude, you will truly feel the power of giving and receiving.

Here are Five Ways to Express Gratitude:

1.    Keep it simple. Instead of thinking about how best to express your thanks, just say it.  Tell the person “Thank you” or “I appreciate it” and let that be the end of it.  Gratitude is something that can be easily expressed just as long as it’s genuine.  Expressing gratitude is as important as anything else in your relationships because it builds trust and respect.

2.    Write a letter. Sometimes the best thing we can do is use the power of the written word to express our thanks.  Get a thank you card or a piece of stationary and write a letter. It’s one of the most personal ways of expressing gratitude nowadays, especially since few people take the time to write by hand.  Again, you can keep it simple by letting the person know that you appreciate them.  You can hand deliver the letter or drop it in the mail so it can be a nice surprise in between the stack of junk mail and bills.

3.    Give a gift. When someone does something nice for you, a nice way to express your appreciation is to give a small “thank you” present.  This doesn’t have to be anything costly or extravagant, just something that shows that you appreciate what they have done for you.  For instance, you might give a coffee lover a small gift certificate to their favorite coffee shop, or buy a chocolate lover a gourmet piece of chocolate. It’s a simple gesture that can go a long way.

4.    Return the favor. If someone has done something nice for you, a simple way to show your appreciation is to return the favor by giving your time.  For instance, if someone has helped you during a time of need, see how you can help them – Do they have a project around the house that they need some help on?  Do they have children? – Maybe you could babysit so they can have a night out?  Are they homebound?—Maybe you could run an errand for them?  This lets them know you appreciate them and what they have done for you.

5.    Tell others. In the presence of the person or people you wish to thank, share your gratitude with others.  Public forms of gratitude are important because it shows just how much you appreciate and care for others.

Gratitude is an important part of all relationships, so today, let go and simply say “Thank you!” to all those around you!

There’s no reason to allow boredom to take over.  There are plenty of engaging activities you can enjoy regardless of whether you’re staying at home or going elsewhere.

Here are some ideas for fun, indoor wintertime activities:

1. Have a game night.   Start a regular game night with your family or invite friends over.  It’s up to you whether you’d like to do something family style to accommodate little kids or an evening for the adults with drinks and good conversation.  Either way, you can stay warm and still have a great time!  It’s a great way to have some family bonding time and togetherness.

2. Catch up on crafts.  Cold weather is the perfect time to bring out some crafts that you’ve been meaning to do.  Sometimes bigger projects get abandoned and never looked at again.  Here’s your chance to finally finish that quilt, scarf, or model airplane.  Have kids?  Have a craft night (or afternoon) and do something fun.  The internet is full of different projects, so go surfing and find something fun!

3. Indoor swimming.  See if there’s an indoor swimming pool in your area. It’s the perfect way to get a glimpse of a fun summertime activity during the colder months.  If your budget permits, take the family to a local hotel with an indoor pool for a fun overnight without the hassle of travel. 

4. Learn a new hobby or skill.  Pursue an activity that you’ve been meaning to try for years.  Have you always wanted to play a musical instrument?  Perhaps there’s a computer program that you’d like to master?  Take advantage of the winter to keep your brain active and learn something new.

5. Curl up with a book.  This is a fun favorite that never gets old.  There’s always a new and exciting story to read.  It doesn’t matter if you’re in the mood for fiction or nonfiction, grab some alone time and lose yourself in the story.  I recently purchased a Barnes and Noble Nook – which I love – so I’ve enjoyed lots of reading by the fire in these cold winter months.

6. Camp indoors.  Bring out the camping gear and camp out in the living room with your family.  You might even want to include Smores made in the microwave or fireplace.  This activity can provide a lot of fun and togetherness.  You can have a night of family memories that you’ll never forget.

7. Enjoy tea or coffee.  Nothing says escaping the cold like a nice hot beverage.  Make up a pot of whatever you and your family enjoy most.  Sit around the table and chat, or watch a good movie together.

8. Sift through photographs.  Take some time to reminisce over some photos.  If you have a collection of photographs from old film cameras, maybe you can make a project out of it and scan them so they’re in a digital format.  Take it one step further and start a digital scrapbook for your family.  I love to scrapbook digitally – it’s fun and easy!  The kids love to go through storybooks of memories of them.

9. Make a meal together.  Another family favorite of ours!  With your partner or family members, decide on a meal that everyone can participate in preparing.  Perhaps you’ll want to try something totally new, or maybe the family would rather go with an old favorite, but the point is to get everyone involved.

10. Experience someplace new.  Stretch your thinking to come up with an idea for a place to go that you’ve never been to before.  Maybe you’ll hit up a new restaurant, an art gallery, or a local play.  You won’t have to worry about the winter blues when you’re out there trying new and exciting things.

Winter can be an exciting time for you and your family and provide you the perfect opportunity to make some cherished new memories.  Use these ideas as a springboard to take advantage of the cold in new and creative ways.

You may think that you already have a success-mindset, and perhaps you do.  However, you can always benefit from strengthening that attitude and therefore increasing your chances for the success you deserve.

Follow these strategies for improving your attitude for success:

1. Find your inspiration.  Discover what inspires you the most and use it to jumpstart your motivation whenever you go.  Feeling inspired enables you to maintain the drive necessary to find success.  Do anything you can within your power to find inspiration.

* Make a list of your ultimate dreams, and then ask yourself if you’re on the right path.  If you are, you’ll know that everything you’re doing will be rewarded.

* If you don’t feel like you’re on the right path, perhaps it’s time for a change.  Maybe there’s a deeper reason why you’ve felt a lack of motivation. Reflect on what this reason might be, and then decide on how you can renew your drive.  When you’re on the right journey, you’ll feel inspired!

2. Surround yourself with positive people.  (One of my favorites!)  When you’re around positive and inspiring people, you’re more likely to adopt those traits into your own personality and go for your goals with enthusiasm.  Negative people, on the other hand, tend to make you negative also.  Energy is contagious whether it’s positive or negative.

* If you must be around people that continually bring you down, do your best to avoid absorbing their negative energy by listening, but not taking the negativity to heart.

3. Jump right in.  The best way to improve your attitude might be to just jump right into life. Don’t be afraid to take initiative and plunge forward towards your goals.  People who take action find success.  If you take action and start to see the results of your efforts, your attitude will only improve. The action doesn’t have to be big – it just has to be something!  Remember, small steps are great ways to get moving.

* The increased drive and motivation you get from your actions can be the difference between success and failure.

4. Strengthen your focus.  Your focus can also play a role in your attitude.  When you are driven toward success, it’s easier to have an optimistic attitude. If you have a lack of focus and don’t know where you’re going, it leads to being unmotivated and uncaring.  You just seem to go in circles.

5. Allow for mistakes.  You’re only human and you will make mistakes from time to time.  Be careful to avoid judging yourself harshly when this happens, as it negatively affects your self-confidence.  If you work on more of a “go with the flow” attitude, you’ll find that you’re able to pick yourself back up and continue moving forward when you do make a mistake.

The main things to keep in mind are that the combination of inspiration, positive thoughts, and proper motivation can lead you to a healthy and positive attitude.  Follow these strategies daily and you’ll boost your attitude for success.

I’m really lucky because both gals have the same name, Karen.  The Karen(s) are really important people to me.   In my last post I talked about surrounding yourself with people who truly inspire and motivate you.   I’m very fortunate to have some wonderful people in my life; I feel, assembled through years of relationships and experience.

In honor of my next group of Gratitude Girls, I am excited to introduce you to another new piece in the Gratitude Artisan Collection called “Karen.”

It’s earthy and casual yet dressy just like my Karen’s.  Both Karen’s love brown, which is why I chose it for this piece.  It symbolizes devotion, friendship and love, gratitude and peace.

The beautiful center piece carved barrel bead, which is handmade and hand painted in Kenya (click here to read more about it) is hand wrapped in shiny sterling silver wire and encased with beautiful chocolate and khaki swarovski crystals.  The beautiful toggle clasp was hand selected to reflect the earth and nature – which is embodied in this piece.

Now that you’ve heard about this beautiful piece, I’d like to introduce you to the personalities behind it….

The first Karen is one of my bffs and an integral part of my group of Gratitude Girls. Yeah, we have a lot in common and have a lot of fun…Twilight, New Moon, anyone? LOL – but seriously we’re different, too. It’s fun to have a group of friends that are similar yet different. We all have our strengths and that makes it all the more fun.

If I had to pick one word to describe this Karen, I would have to say devoted. She’s a devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend.  She’s the go-to gal.

Here’s a little more about Karen…

1.  What is one thing that you can’t leave home without?

My cell phone of course. I have two teenage daughters that I need to have close contact with at all times.

2.    What is your dream vacation?

I guess I’m taking it in March with my husband, Tom. We haven’t been on a vacation alone in 10 years.  We will be going on a Southern Caribbean cruise (my first time on a cruise).  We are very excited!

3.   What is your favorite drink/beverage?

My favorite drink is a glass of red wine with my best friends.

4.   What is your favorite clothing item?

My favorite clothing item would be sweat pants!

5.  What is your favorite season?

I look forward to the change of seasons, I really enjoy the beginning of each.  If I had to pick it would be Fall!

6.  What is your favorite childhood memory?

Camping!  I grew up camping in Wells Maine every year until I was 14.  Why Maine?  The coast of Maine is beautiful! That’s where my Mom is from and we would spend time with my relatives.

7.  What is your favorite quote?

“If you see someone without a smile give them one of yours”   It easy and it makes people happy.

8.  What are you most grateful for?

I’m most grateful for waking up every morning healthy and I’m able to share my life with the ones I love!!

9.  What is your favorite piece from the Gratitude Collection?

My Gratitude Bracelet. It was my first purchase and I wear it everyday.  It reminds me of everything I have to be grateful for!!!

I’d now like to introduce you to my sister, Karen.  We’re similar yet vastly different.  She’s strong where I’m weak and vice versa.  We balance each other out.  She’s a second mother to my daughter Faith.  When times are tough, I know I can count on my sister to give me her, “Who loves ya baby?” and it makes me feel better everytime.

Read on to learn more about my sis…

1. What is your favorite way to relax?

Yoga and Walking outdoors

2. What is your favorite color?

Any shade of green and orange

3. What are your favorite hobbies?

Hiking, Bird Watching, Reading, and Knitting

4. What are your favorite stores to shop at?

Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, Gap

5.  What is your favorite holiday dish?

a.    Thanksgiving—Stuffing and Turnips

b.    Christmas-Gram’s Pierogi’s, Rice Pudding

6.   What is your favorite childhood memory?

Spending our summers at the shoreline.

Each year we would rent a cottage near the Connecticut shoreline.  I enjoyed hanging out at the beach with my sisters and my family.  I also liked riding my bike along the beach and riding it especially to our favorite pastry shop, Emily’s.

7.  What is your favorite quote(s)?

(Any quote by Emerson or Thoreau…I’m a transcendentalist)

“The only way to be a friend is to be one.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
“The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature.”  ~Joseph Campbell
“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.”  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

8. What are you most grateful for?

My health, family, and friends

9. What is your favorite piece of jewelry in Gratitude Collection:

**I LOVE THEM ALL!!!! I have many pieces from all the collections.  I have purchased many earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in chocolate and caramel that compliment the earth tones I gravitate towards.  I also have a number of pieces that are classic black.

In addition, I have a black and brown Eclectic Toggle Necklace.  I love being able to switch the charms for effortless accessorizing.  I have also found this helpful to expanding the colors in my wardrobe beyond just brown and black.  I have the blue bulls eye charm that I wear with so many outfits, the red metallic, the black spiral metallic, the chocolate with the polka dots…love them all!

No matter what situation your stress is coming from, it’s important to take a step back from the stress to hold onto your sanity.

Try following some or all of the following tips:

1. Get Your Shopping Done Early. When you get your shopping out of the way early, you can save yourself stress on a number of levels. You won’t be battling other shoppers during peak shopping times. You won’t have to worry about making split second decisions on gifts. You’ll also have the time to craft a budget to help make your money stretch to the best of your ability.

2. Take Time to Yourself. We often take the time to think of others during the holidays. While that’s very important to maintain, you can’t forget about yourself in the process. Remember to schedule “me” time and concentrate on winding down. In order to take good care of others, you first have to take care of your own health and well being.

3. Keep a Cool Head. While it may not be a problem with every family, sometimes the togetherness causes conflicts and clashing. Before you enter a family holiday event, tell yourself that you’ll take the high road. You don’t want an argument to ruin your holiday memories.

4. Keep Up Your Exercise Routine. Sometimes the thrill of the holiday season can disrupt your daily routines. While a little break from exercise might not make a big difference in your physique, it might make a difference when it comes to your stress level. Try to keep up some form of exercise, as it will provide you with a release from stress.

5. Watch your Diet. It’s not fair to completely avoid indulging around the holidays, but at the same time you should always remain in control. Watch what you’re putting into your body, because large amounts of certain foods can definitely affect how you feel. The two big ones to watch are caffeine and sweets.

6. Treat Yourself. Is there something that you want to treat yourself to?  It doesn’t need to be expensive or really cost any money (a hot bath, etc).  Get creative, but take care of yourself and give yourself a treat!

7. Get Enough Rest. The excitement definitely kicks in during the holidays. Sometimes you’ll lose sleep because of stress, and sometimes you’ll lose sleep because of excitement. Either way, you’ll be doing yourself a favor by concentrating on relaxation and getting to bed at a good hour. If you start a pattern of getting less than 8 hours of sleep per night, you could be setting yourself up for stress without even really knowing it.

8. Learn to Delegate. If you come to the realization that you’ve been put in charge of too many things, don’t pile on the stress – instead, delegate the tasks. Be wise enough to know when you need some help and ask for it. You can even get the kids involved with certain preparations.

9. Be Flexible. Of course you have an image in your head of how you’d like certain holiday events to play out. You also know that things don’t always go according to plan. Realize that certain things will not be perfect, and you won’t feel so much stress if things do go wrong. Go with the flow and have back up plans if necessary.

Most importantly, have fun and make lots of memories!

I’ve had an idea for a while to profile some of my customers who have really become raving fans of the Gratitude Collection.  They love Gratitude:  it’s beauty, it’s message, and it’s versatility.  They live and embody a life lived with Gratitude, a positive attitude and abundance.

I am really excited to introduce my first Gratitude Girl.

Her name is Dorothy and she is one of my bff’s and an integral part of my group of Gratitude Girls.  I often talk about surrounding yourself with people who really inspire and motivate you.  These people know how to lift you when you’re down and always find the silver lining – the gratitude, the lesson in everything to create a positive experience from a negative.  They are right there to cheer you on when things are good, too – Dorothy is one of these girls for me!

In honor of my bff and being a Gratitude Girl, I am also SO excited to introduce the first of several new pieces.  The newest bracelet in the Gratitude Artisan Collection is the “Dorothy.”

It is classy, sophisticated and stylish just like Dorothy.  You can probably guess from the color what Dorothy’s favorite color is, which is why I chose it for this beautiful piece.  It symbolizes class and style, gratitude and thankfulness, friendship and hope, love and understanding.

The beautiful center piece carved barrel bead, which is handmade and handpainted in Kenya (click here to read more about it) is handwrapped in shiny sterling silver wire and encased with beautiful swarovski crystals.  I also hand selected the clasp to reflect Dorothy’s heart and love that she embodies.

I hope you check out the Dorothy and please read on to learn more about the personality behind this beautiful piece…

1.  What is your favorite place to shop?

The Gap for clothing and Pottery Barn for my home – clean and simple.
2.  Do you have any style or beauty tips?

Wear sunscreen every day!  Even if it’s raining.  Buy and wear only clothing you love and feel fantastic in.   Toss it or give it away if it makes you feel otherwise.  Do it now.

3.  What is your dream vacation?

Canyon Ranch or Miraval Resort.  Please don’t make me choose.  They are both in Tucson.  Perhaps I can do both on the same vacation.

4.  What is your favorite quote?

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears however measured and far away.” – Henry David Thoreau

5.  What is your favorite food?

Eggs. No. Cheese.  Oh eggs *and* cheese.

6.  What is your favorite childhood memory?

Summer weekends at my Nana and Papa Ken’s house on Lake Hopatcong.

7.  What is your favorite holiday tradition?

A quiet celebration of Russian Christmas at home.  Just the 4 of us.

8.  What are you most grateful for?

The gift of my two children and their birth mothers.  Evidence to me every day that God did indeed have a wonderful plan for me.

9.  What is your favorite piece from the Gratitude Collection?

Eclectic necklace – black base with pewter bead charm.  And.  The Dorothy.  Of course.

I host Thanksgiving.  My husband and I love to have this wonderful holiday.  We truly enjoy preparing the meal together and eating and relaxing with my family.  Of course, it’s a great day to watch football, too – one of my favorite things to do.

She had an idea that I just LOVED! I wanted to share it with you.  Her idea was to have a bowl of river rocks that you can get at the craft store (big enough to write on)….or you could even have the kids hunt for rocks in the yard and clean them up.

As a great conversation starter, she suggested having each guest take a rock and write what they are grateful for on it (family, friends, health, etc…) with a sharpie marker.  These gratitude rocks can then be sprinkled across the table as beautiful reminders of all the gratitude being shared at the table.  Also, these cute little rocks can be used a place card holders for guests.

Libby had several other great ideas for the perfect Thanksgiving tablescape.  Click here to head on over to watch the segment for more great holiday table tips!

It’s a big month as we start the official holiday season next week.  It seems that everyone tends to feel extra grateful this time of year, which is fabulous!

You may have seen this cross your social media path lately:

“Let’s see how many people can do this. Everyday this month, until Thanksgiving, think of one thing that you are thankful for and post it as your status. “Today I am thankful for….” The longer you do it, the harder it gets! Now if you think you can do it then repost this message as your status to invite others to take the challenge, then post what YOU are thankful for today.”

This is a really fun exercise and I think it’s really cool when I log on and see so much gratitude being shared.  Even finding one simple thing daily to be grateful for, can make such a difference.  It doesn’t have to be big – start small with one thing daily.  Write it in a journal, put it on a post it note, post it on Twitter, Facebook or your social media of choice.  It becomes a virtual ripple of gratitude – which is very powerful!

Today I am grateful for another beautiful walk to start my Monday morning and am energized with the opportunities that lie ahead this week!

How about you?  Post a comment with your gratitude declaration and help be the ripple!

I was running out to the bus stop this morning with my daughter and as I realized that I forgot to unlock the door – she closed it. Oooops I was now locked out.  After trying to contact everyone with a spare key – I had no success.  I decided to enjoy my intention of my Monday morning walk on the beautiful Fall morning that it was.  Luckily I had a loaded ipod (and my blackberry) so off I went!

I gave it up to God and the Universe that somehow I would find a way into my house. I came home and it soon became apparent that it wasn’t happening very soon.  I went into my happy little beetle bug in my garage and sat with my blackberry and my ipod.  I listened to a course (that I haven’t had the time to get to) and tweeted and chatted with Facebook friends while I waited.

I gave a shout out to my #mamo friends, which stands for Manifesting Monday on twitter http://www.affirmingspirit.com/blog/2009/03/mamo-on-twitter/ to help me manifest a set of keys somewhere!   Of course, I began to get tweets from friends who were intending for me a way into my house.  One of my regular #mamo friends is Joel, @truthscompany, who sent me three tweets – here they are:

Tweet #1 @truthscompany

Part 1: deep breath – “I AM AT ONE WITH MY SPARE KEY NOW” :0) #mamo <—of course, this one made me laugh…and bring needed humor to my situation. 

Tweet#2 @truthscompany

Part 2: Lesson – How have I been ‘locking myself out of my own house’ lately? #mamo <—-this one got me thinking…and not yet sure I have that answer yet figuratively speaking.

Tweet #3 @truthscompany

Part 3: It’s happening for you not to you (via @ByronKatie) Now enjoy the fresh air and perhaps wonder how this is the most loving experience for you now #mamo <—now this got me REALLY thinking…I’m a mover and shaker – always things on the to-do list.  I have a really hard time slowing down sometimes.  To be locked out of my house knowing my planned to-do list for the day was really frustrating, but I tried to focus on the fact that I had my blackberry so I could send e-mails and make phone calls as needed and I had my ipod.  I had just synched my ipod prior to running out the door with an audio portion of a course I really needed to get moving on.  I just haven’t been able to make the time to work on it.  Well, I figured this was my time to listen up!

After finally deciding to give in (2 hours later) and have my husband come and get me – the phone rang and we located a spare key…10 minutes later I was back inside.  Phew!

I wound up having another HIGHLY productive day even after the crazy start I had.  My attitude and mood, which initially was not good, shifted and opened me up to some wonderful energy throughout my entire day.  Even though the whole thing was honestly a real pain in the butt, I think Joel was right and maybe, just maybe it was the best thing for me to start off my day…but hopefully now with all the spare keys we made this won’t happen again!  At least I can laugh about it now!