Inspiration/Business

Ways To Practice Gratitude This Holiday Season

Ways to Practice Gratitude This Holiday Season

A Few Tips from Team Feathered Arrow On How To Practice Gratitude

With the holiday season just around the corner, I wanted to discuss how to practice gratitude. California has had quite a devastating week + there’s still a real threat to so many. In the wake of everything that has happened with the shooting + the fires, I have to remember what’s really important in life is one another. Life is a gift full of blessings, but sometimes it can feel overwhelming + difficult to see the good when there is so much happening in the world. Entrepreneurs are especially susceptible with the hectic nature of a never-ending to-do list. To help learn how to practice gratitude daily, I asked some of my team members what they do to remember everything they have to be thankful for! Read on for tips you can incorporate into your daily life. Remember, friends, family + our community is what life is all about.

 

Kari Dirksen of Feathered Arrow Events and Wedding Planning shares how she practices gratitude “…repeating a list of things you’re grateful for starts to change your negative thoughts into positive ones.”

 

Making a habit to practice gratitude can definitely be a challenge to implement into daily life. I’ve started to say things out loud when I’m feeling down or have negative thoughts. Speaking them into existence, and repeating a list of things you’re grateful for, starts to change your negative thoughts into positive ones. I heard someone say recently, you can’t be unhappy and grateful at the same time. It’s physically impossible. Something new that I’m about to start is writing in the 5 Minute Journal. It’s just 5 minutes a day but you start in the morning with writing down what you’re grateful for, what would make today great, and daily affirmations. Then at night before bed, you write down 3 amazing things that happened that day and how you could have made the day even better. It’s so important to self-reflect and work on ways to be better every single day. But remind yourself daily friends, you’re worthy, you’re enough and having a grateful heart can change everything.

– Kari

Photo by: Nicolette Moku Photography

 

“At the end of the week, I write down things that happened that week that I am thankful + grateful for.”

 

 

Recently I’ve been putting sticky notes in each week of my planner, and at the end of the week I write down things that happened that week that I am thankful + grateful for. My plan is to read through those at the end of the year!

This thanksgiving I’m grateful for another year of preparing thanksgiving dinner and pies with my mom. She’s taught me everything I know about hosting, so getting this time with her every year is something I’m extremely grateful for.

Also, I’m thankful for a husband who continues to support me in all of my various passion projects. I can be a lot to follow around sometimes! Haha

– Emily

Photo by: Simply Wandering Photography

 

 

“I take 5 minutes before I go to bed to reflect on all the things I’m grateful for”

 

 

My favorite way to practice gratitude is I take 5 minutes before I go to bed to reflect internally on all the things I’m grateful for. I start with the small moments, because it leads me to the larger picture. For example, hearing my daughter call my name reminds me that I have a healthy family and that I’m lucky to see my daughter grow.

Another thing I do to practice gratitude, is to clean + declutter. I know that may sound silly, but by donating clothes I no longer need, or getting rid of the clutter on my desk, it helps me focus on the things that are important to me. It’s the Marie Kondo philosophy that the items in your environment should bring you joy + by donating items, I’m (hopefully) able to bring joy to others in need.

– Jodi

Photo by: Clivabeth Photography

 

I hope you’re able to find whatever way works to practice gratitude in your life. Happy Thanksgiving friends, + I hope you can enjoy it with those you love most!

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LATTE OBSESSED, OVERACHIEVER, Outdoor Lover, Sucker for Live Music, Donut fanatic, Life Long Grey's Anatomy Fan, DOG MOM + now mom to my girl Rye. 

Hi, I'm Kari.
Wedding Planner, Podcaster, & Creative Entrepreneur.

The founder and lead planner behind Feathered Arrow Studio. Over the past 11 years, I’ve designed and executed more than 175 weddings throughout Southern California, helping couples create celebrations that feel deeply personal and beautiful.

My approach blends thoughtful design with genuine hospitality. I care deeply about how a wedding feels not just how it looks. I want every detail to be intentional and every guest to feel taken care of. Together we take your inspiration, your story, and your priorities and turn them into a celebration that feels effortless, welcoming, and unmistakably yours.

Not every couple needs full-service planning, which is why I also offer wedding consults and planning guides for those navigating the process on their own. I’m also the co-host of Just Another Biz Podcast, where we have honest conversations about the wedding industry with fellow creatives behind the scenes.

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