Gratitude Beyond the Turkey

Gratitude is a practice.

Thanksgiving in Canada often brings to mind turkey dinners, cozy sweaters, and maybe even a long weekend nap. But gratitude isn’t meant to be seasonal. It’s not something we pull out once a year and tuck away after the leftovers are gone.

Gratitude is a practice. And when it’s integrated into the way we live and lead, it becomes a powerful performance booster, resilience builder, and clarity tool.

Gratitude as a Lens

When leaders only focus on what’s missing — time, resources, results — they operate from a place of scarcity. Gratitude changes the lens. Suddenly, instead of “we don’t have enough,” it becomes:

• “Here’s what’s working.”

• “Here’s who is making a difference.”

• “Here’s what’s possible from here.”

That shift isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a strategy. Leaders who consistently practice gratitude create environments where people feel seen and valued. That translates into stronger trust, higher energy, and better outcomes.

Beyond the Quick List

Most people can rattle off a list of things they’re thankful for. Family. Friends. Health. Work. That’s a start, but it’s not the practice. The practice is slowing down enough to notice specific contributions and moments.

Gratitude gets its power from detail.

A Thanksgiving Challenge

This Thanksgiving, yes — enjoy the meal. But also ask:

• Who deserves my gratitude this week?

• How will I show it in a way that lands?

A thank-you card, a quick voice note, or even pausing mid-meeting to acknowledge someone’s effort can create ripples.

Gratitude isn’t about glossing over what’s hard. It’s about anchoring in what’s good — so we have the energy to tackle what’s next.

Who deserves your gratitude this week — and how will you show it?