Beyond “I love you” or the sound of a baby’s laughter, one of the sweetest sounds we can express and hear is “Thank You!” Most of us say it often enough. We speak these words causally, with elation or honor and, at times, with a regrettable tone when we cover up how we really feel.

Take a moment and think about that for which you are grateful. In this moment, sense how these words feel in your body when you speak them. They tend to express either a deeper or more surface part of yourself. There is no right or wrong, so keep that in mind.

I am ridiculously grateful to be alive. Words pale next to the profound joy I feel about the fact that I get to be here and be alive, right now. In every moment, but especially at night, I’m so grateful that I have physically, mentally and spiritually made it through another day with as much grace, presence and kindness I could muster in each moment.

I curl up under my comforter and say, “Thank you God.” Then, watching my breath with a soft mind, I drift between states of consciousness. Being present to my gratitude and to the breath of my personal existence links me to, well, ME. I take this time to embody my own energy, the essence that is Laura. I figure if I cannot come home to myself, at least at night, where am I? So, I ask you, “Where are you?”

I go there with presence. I go inward, as deeply as I can to the essence of my life and life’s work. I feel the gratitude for the people and events in my life, including all of you. For all of this, and so much more, I am truly grateful. So, to you my friends, I say “Thank you for being in my life!”

As the forthcoming Holidays flow to you, take some time and come home to yourself every night. These are sweet moments. Fill yourself with loving kindness—simply from you, to you. Then your cup is genuinely filled to effortlessly share love and gratitude with others.

If you do this every night through the holidays, you will have a different experience of your life and loved ones. By New Year’s Eve it will be a habit—a habit with profound benefits for your life. No since waiting for a date on the calendar to proclaim it’s time to change. Now works, because now is all there is.

Right now, to you, I send my gratitude and love,

Laura