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Volume 37

Holiday Vibe Check

Focused Individual, LUV Youniversity /

Thanksgiving is the season of gratitude, but let’s be real — life doesn’t automatically feel amazing just because it’s the holidays. School might feel like it’s dragging, friendships can get messy, or things might just feel “meh.”

Here’s the thing: even when life isn’t perfect, taking a minute to count your blessings can change your whole perspective. It doesn’t have to be big stuff — think about your favorite song, a friend who always checks in, or a cozy hoodie you love. Noticing the good things, even the little ones, makes your day feel brighter.

And don’t forget — you can be a blessing to someone else too! A simple act of kindness, like a compliment or helping someone out, can make someone’s day. It’s a win-win: you spread positivity and feel more grateful in the process.

So, this Thanksgiving, take a moment to appreciate what’s good in your life and find ways to spread those good vibes. Gratitude isn’t just for the holidays — it’s a game-changer all year round.

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The Gratitude Effect : Discovering the Mental, Emotional, and Physical Benefits of Blessing Counting

Focused Individual, LUV Youniversity /

A few years ago, I made a life-changing decision: I chose to focus on the positive instead of the negative. That simple shift — choosing gratitude — has profoundly impacted my life and those around me. I learned that it’s impossible to be thankful and negative at the same time because gratitude changes our perspective. It brings joy, optimism, and peace into our hearts, transforming situations for the better.

Expressing thankfulness enhances our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. It strengthens relationships, improves mental health, and can even boost physical health by reducing stress and improving sleep. Most importantly, counting our blessings welcomes God into our lives, grounding us in His promises. As 2 Corinthians 9:8 reminds us, God blesses us abundantly so we can thrive in all things, at all times. When we shift our focus to gratitude, we unlock peace, renewed energy, and strength to stay on the path God has set before us.

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Grateful Gains: A Financial Perspective on Gratitude

Finances /

In the fast pace of managing finances, it’s easy to focus on what we lack or the pressures we face. But practicing financial gratitude can transform not only our mindset but also our money management. When we pause to appreciate what we have — a roof over our heads, food on the table, or financial progress like paying off debt — we cultivate contentment and make more intentional financial choices.

Gratitude helps us celebrate milestones, reduce financial anxiety, and curb impulsive spending by shifting our focus to what truly matters. Financial health isn’t just about numbers; it’s about appreciating the journey and finding peace in knowing we’ve made progress. By counting our financial blessings, we empower ourselves to manage resources wisely and move forward with confidence and clarity.

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Reflection: On Body Positivity and Gratitude

Leave a Comment / Fitness /

In a world that often encourages us to focus on perceived flaws, it’s easy to fall into the trap of critiquing our own appearance. We begin the day by zeroing in on the areas we’d like to change, whether it’s our waistline, the fine lines on our face, or those little imperfections we wish could disappear. However, what if we shifted our mindset? Instead of starting the day with self-criticism, let’s begin with gratitude for our bodies. Every day, our bodies do incredible things—things we often take for granted, like moving, breathing, and healing. This November, let’s choose to celebrate the strength, mobility, and resilience that we often overlook, acknowledging the everyday blessings of our health and fitness. Whether it’s walking, playing, or simply feeling the sensation of touch, let’s take a moment to appreciate what our bodies do for us. After all, a positive body mindset starts with recognizing our worth, just as we are.

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A Heart Full of Thanks: Celebrating God’s Everyday Goodness

Leave a Comment / Faith /

In a world where heartbreak and disappointment seem to dominate conversations about love, it’s easy to feel hopeless. But all is not lost. Love is still alive and ever-present if we simply seek Him.

This Thanksgiving, I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering presence of God in my life. People may fail us, friendships may fade, and even the closest relationships can break — but God never fails. He listens when I speak, comforts me in my struggles, and reminds me that I am never alone.

Knowing God personally brings peace in moments of uncertainty and hope when life feels overwhelming. His promises, faithfulness, and love are constant, even when everything else shifts.

So, I ask you — do you know Him that way? And if so, aren’t you grateful?

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10 Ways To Show Appreciation

Leave a Comment / Family /

Family plays a vital role in our lives, offering us emotional support, a sense of belonging, and physical strength. Sometimes, we take them for granted, forgetting how precious their presence is in our day-to-day lives. Whether it’s a traditional family or a chosen family of friends bound by love, the connection we share with those closest to us is a blessing. They’re there to celebrate our victories, provide comfort during tough times, and help us grow into the people we are meant to be.

Taking a moment to express gratitude for family can deepen our relationships and strengthen the bond we share. Simple acts like sending a text to check in, planning a game night, or reflecting on shared memories can make all the difference. Gratitude helps us appreciate not just the big moments, but the everyday acts of love and care that sometimes go unnoticed. Whether through words, actions, or quality time together, acknowledging our family’s importance reminds us of the value of connection, unity, and interdependence.

Family is a blessing that shapes us in ways we may not even realize—reminding us that even through imperfections, the love we share is always worth celebrating.

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Count Your Blessings: Name Them One by One

Editor's Corner /

Ever felt like life is tossing you around like a leaf in a storm? On those “tempest-tossed” days, it’s easy to lose sight of how far you’ve come and the ways you’ve been lifted along the way. That’s when the old wisdom of “counting your blessings” can shift your perspective. The hymn Count Your Blessings reminds us to pause, reflect, and name the ways God has shown up — providing in moments of need, offering comfort in sorrow, and giving strength for the journey. Gratitude isn’t just positive thinking; it’s a grounding practice that turns discouragement into hope. As you count your blessings, you’ll discover that God’s faithfulness brings peace for today and confidence for tomorrow.

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