It’s Thanksgiving week in the United States, and to say I’m grateful right now, would be a grand understatement.

The outpouring of love, light, kindness, generosity + connection that has been flowing my way since all of the devastation + destruction in California, has been so deeply appreciated.

Thank you for your comments, thoughts, prayers, wishes and open arms.

And if you missed last week’s post + your free audio, click here: Devastation + Destruction (And How It Ignites Light + Love).

My family and I are so fortunate to be back in our home, after evacuating for multiple days during the California fires.

And in the midst of it all, I learned yet another amazing lesson.
I’ve been visiting our nearby Gelson’s grocery store daily, using their free wifi, since we’ve been without any internet connection at our home.

And as I was packing up my laptop the other evening, I glanced out the window and noticed a fire truck parked outside the store.

I immediately looked around for the brave souls who have worked so tirelessly, day after day and night after night to fight the multiple and massive fires in Southern California.

I walked up to each and every one of these firefighters, and with tears in my eyes, I thanked them for their service.

They asked me if I lost my home (since I was overcome with such emotion at the sight of them).

I said, “Thankfully, no, I’m just so grateful for everything you all have done to save so many lives and communities. Thank you.”

One of the firefighters, moved to tears as well, stood there in his ash-ridden yellow uniform and said, “Thank you for saying that. Thank you for coming up to us and letting us know.”

I drove home realizing the power of the words thank you. How they are so simple to say and so meaningful to hear.

And how you just never know what taking an extra two seconds to utter those words can mean to another person.

So as you go about your day today, wherever you are in the world, see how often you can look up from whatever it is you’re doing, and simply appreciate someone who crosses your path.

Whether it’s a firefighter who saved hundreds of homes in your area, or the over-worked clerk at the department store during the holidays, or even your agent who might be working late, see how often you can say thank you to people who least expect it.

Not only will it help you live in the present moment, and align your mind with gratitude, but it may also be the two words that someone was longing to hear.

Whether it’s a stranger, a co-worker, a family member or a close friend, ask yourself, “Who can I thank today?” And then be sure to do it.

If you feel called to help those impacted by the fires, here are ways you can assist. 

Let me know in the comments below, who you are going to give a special thank you to today.

Thank you, from the bottom of my grateful heart.  Happy Thanksgiving.

Love + Gratitude,
– Wendy