They (Oprah) say a gratitude practice can change your life in the most positive of ways. With side effects of positive emotions, more joy, happiness, better sleep, compassion, kindness and stronger immune systems. I mean, "Hi, I want that" but even with this knowledge my gratitude practice is less than stellar at times.

It is easy to get caught up in the grind of life and the horror that seems to be surrounding the world. It can be hard to feel gratitude for it. Then I think about lovely people in my life who make me laugh, feel loved, that support me and the joy that surrounds my ordinary life. The warmth of a stable life and I am cup runneth over full of gratitude. It reminds me that I am lucky, that the world is far more beautiful than it is ugly.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, a day that reminds us to be thankful, to find gratitude for what we have. I am grateful for my little corner of the world. I will always do my best to light my corner with my joy and not with my fear. I am grateful for the love that comes my way, the love I get to give away and the sun, moon, stars and ocean that keep me here with the people I love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

May you spend it full of (turkey) gratitude.

xo Janelle

photos Mary Claire Roman

model Jilian Harvey

makeup, hair, styling Janelle Walker