We’re in an unsettling time culturally in the United States and around the world. Technology, media, privacy, politics, human rights, immigration, employment, homelessness – there are emotionally charged messages bombarding us every day during our already busy and emotionally charged personal lives.

We’re all amped up, stressed out, looking for the pressure release valve. And while we should practice gratitude every day, the stress of life often casts a shadow.

At Kelleher International, we think Thanksgiving is a welcomed reminder to show reverence for the people and opportunities in our lives for which we are grateful.

I am grateful for my husband, Jeff, and our dog Ruby Rose who brings so much joy and happiness to our lives. I am also grateful to be leading my life with love in both my work and relationships. -KI Matchmaker, Julianne McGowan

I am grateful for my health and for all the people I love, and for having life experiences I’ve learned from. -Senior Matchmaker, Patty Russell

In light of the recent California Wildfires devastation, I have a new perspective on what it means to be thankful. I recognize the health and safety of the ones I love are really the only things that can’t be replaced. This year I’m so grateful to have a healthy, beautiful family and a safe place to sleep at night – my bed has never felt so good. Just the basics like having clean air to breathe and pure water to drink can’t be taken for granted. -Director of Matchmaking, Kimberly Colgate

Are you struggling to raise your appreciation vibration? Here are a few helpful reminders from our Kelleher matchmakers to get your good vibes moving on up!

If the big things in your life feel out of sorts, slow down and focus on the small stuff.

And we mean the really small stuff! Be thankful for your favorite puffy jacket when you’re walking the dog on a cold morning. Show appreciation for the kind word from the stranger in the grocery store. Smile and acknowledge the sweetness between the old couple taking extra long to move through the crosswalk instead of getting frustrated because you’re in a hurry.

For a few moments each day, pause and think about something or someone for which you’re grateful.

While you quietly explore the people, pets, or experiences you’re thankful for notice how your body feels when you recall a fond memory or interaction. We bet you’ll find you’re able to breathe a little deeper, your heart will feel more expansive, and you’ll physically feel a natural lightness and peace wash over you. That is what gratitude feels like! By making this activity of focusing on gratitude a habit, you’re introducing nutrition for the soul into your daily diet.

“Wake up each day with the intention of being grateful,” says Kelleher matchmaker Patty Russell. “We all pull a challenging card from time to time; our power is in how we react to it.”

Even show gratitude for the absence of things.

Develop your consciousness for discovering gratitude for the things in your life that you don’t currently have or no longer exist. Honor the failed romantic relationship that helped you grow and find out what you truly want in a partner. Show reverence for the parent who has passed; recall the qualities you received from them. Maybe last year at Thanksgiving you were under the weather and unable to be present with your family. Be grateful that this year is different and make the most of it!

Extend warmth and kindness when you’re having a bad day.

When you’re having a bad day, it’s easy to sling negative energy in all directions. It comes out as the harsh tone you take with a colleague in the team meeting. Or the raised voice to your partner over their indifference on where you eat dinner. It’s the impatience with your child for asking one too many questions. Or honking at the stranger cycling in front of you while the yellow light is turning red and all you want to do is gas it and get home.

It’s easy to lean into the negativity and take everyone down with you, but the fastest way out of the funk isn’t to feed it. Deep breaths are a great way to slow things down. Breathe and focus on actively spreading the good vibes you desperately want to feel. We encourage you to smile more, hold the door open for strangers, stop to pet the adorable dog on your walk. Make an effort to compliment and connect with the people in your community while you’re out and about. Spreading joy is a gift to both the giver and receiver.

“Love and time are the greatest gifts you can give,” says Kimberly Colgate, Kelleher Director of Matchmaking. “Even if it is not to your own, someone out there is likely in need. A simple hug, smile, or going out of your way to do something special can change someone’s perspective on life and brighten their day.”

We hope you have someone special in your life this holiday season. If you’re spending the Thanksgiving holiday with a new love be sure to check out our Matchmaker tips for your first Thanksgiving together.

If you’re still searching for the one, incorporating these small gratitude-focused shifts in your daily habits is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Is there a mantra or activity that helps lift your spirits and remind you to stay focused on gratitude? Share your insight or questions for our Kelleher team of matchmakers in the comments section below.