Everyday is Thanksgiving

Shine Your Light and Cultivate Gratitude

Life has a beautiful way of reminding us to shine our light, even when it feels challenging! As the Buddhist saying goes, "the brighter the light, the deeper the shadows." It reminds us that no matter what you do someone will always have an opinion, their perception and you definitely cannot and nor should you please everyone. These shadows are a natural part of growth, a sign that you’re illuminating not only your path but inspiring others in the process.

Recently, I felt this simple yet powerful moment. I was about to photograph autumn leaves for this Thanksgiving post of all the beautiful colours when my inner voice said, “Look up” Straight in front of me, graffiti art boldly declared, “SHINE.” It felt like God’s reminder to live brightly, authentically, and with purpose. The more we shine, the more we invite others to find their light, too.

Shining your light goes hand-in-hand with gratitude. When we adopt a gratitude attitude, we not only see the beauty in our blessings but also create space for connection and creativity. My little one and I recently brought this to life by making a gratitude tree. Such a lovely way to cultivate this simple yet powerful way of being. Each leaf held something we were thankful for, written with love on its veins. It was a moment of bonding, reflection, and artistic expression. You can find it and make your own at My Little Community Youtube Page or on My Little Everything Tik Tok Page! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MmENCq4Lr7s

This idea isn’t new to me. Years ago, while working as a language assistant at a lovely Bilingual Primary School in Alcalá de Henares*, I created a “Thankful Tree” during my lunch breaks. Even though Thanksgiving isn't celebrated in Spain or the UK, there were other languages assistants from the States and I wanted to express that gratitude is universal like trees and leaves are, by sharing this idea with children it can become a way to instil lifelong values of joy and appreciation. 

The rewards of these small acts of gratitude just leave me in awe and happy from the inside out. My little one just this evening said before falling asleep, “Thank you, God, for a beautiful day and the sunny day.” His sweet, spontaneous prayer stopped me in my tracks. Gratitude isn’t just a practice, it’s a way of being that shapes how we view the world.

This Thanksgiving, and every day, let’s commit to shining our light and nurturing gratitude. There's so much to be grateful for but just a few from this week for me, spending time with my loved ones, Engage Your Customers: Inspiring Action to Grow Your Business with Alessandro at BIPC Sussex and playing with my little one at the park and beach on a beautiful sunny day! Through creativity, kindness, and faith, we can inspire the next generation to live boldly and thankfully. Remember, every day is a chance to create and reflect on the blessings we’ve been given. Shine, and teach your little ones to do the same🌟

However, we understand for some this concept is difficult to do when you're just about surviving in the world and facing one tragedy after another. We may not know how to end occupation or conflict, but we must remember we are all one human race that should come together in one way or another to help. By recognising our shared humanity and practicing compassion, we can build unity and foster peace in small but meaningful ways.

*located near Madrid, is celebrated as the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is steeped in history, with cobbled streets, ancient architecture, and it's prestigious university founded in 1499. The town honours Cervantes with a dedicated museum in his childhood home and an annual literature festival. Alcalá’s rich cultural heritage, charming plazas, and culinary delights make it a must-visit destination for history and literature enthusiasts alike.