Thanksgiving is little more than a week away, and for many of us, our plans remain fluid. Who’s coming for dinner? How many mouths am I feeding? Even amid the uncertainty, however, certain facts remain. Thanksgiving is a time for counting blessings and recognizing the good in our lives. More important than ever, no matter how large or how small our gathering, we need this Thanksgiving season.

It is time to find those silver linings. Think of a cloudy day, with thunderheads so deep the sun just can’t seem to break through. That silver lining only happens when the sun is directly behind the cloud. The hardships of life are not removed, but our attitude can transcend the gloom. When we focus on being, not feeling, thankful, our perspective changes. So…let’s make those Thanksgiving plans!

Plan your tablescape ahead of time. Figure out what each place setting will look like. No matter how many noses you count the night before, the layout will be ready. Consider Thanksgiving favors this year. Put little remembrances of blessings at each plate, or invite each around the table to recite a blessing.

You may not be inviting the needy or lonely into your home this year, but you can still reach out in meaningful ways. The science of gratitude affirms that sending a simple thank you note engenders a month of happiness. But don’t stop there. Send notes to those you love. Prepare goodie baskets. Contribute to a local food bank. Serve at a community dinner. As you find ways to touch the lives of others, your life will be blessed as well.

An attitude of gratitude is more than a one-day celebration. It is a lifestyle of recognition of all the good things in life. Expressing gratitude—even when you don’t feel grateful—creates a more positive mentality. Skip Prichard cites these benefits of having a thankful heart:

• Increased energy

• Optimism

• Sharper mental acuity

• Enhanced problem solving abilities

• Deeper friendships

• A stronger immune system

• Satisfaction in life

• Higher self esteem

• Increased productivity

Begin with expression. Think of things for which you are grateful. A gratitude journal may be helpful, or just making a list on a pad of paper. Follow it up with action and get in the Thanksgiving spirit! William Arthur Ward is credited with saying, “God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used any one of them to say thank you?” No matter how different life may feel from last year to this, this simple truth remains: there are many blessings for which we are grateful. Gratitude produces a ripple of happiness for those around you….and it can begin with you. Plan Thanksgiving with a grateful heart.