There is so much to love about Thanksgiving—getting together with family and friends and enjoying a lavish array of comfort foods. The anticipation, the planning and the celebration all make Thanksgiving a special gathering. And, as I have shared what I love about the day, I hope that you can tell that I am grateful.
You may not know that neuroscience has documented the benefits of expressing your gratitude. “The research is amazing,” Harvard researcher and author Shawn Achor has told Inc.com. Other studies show gratitude increases willpower, helps keep you calm, and can even boost employee morale.
I coach my clients to be generous and appreciative. Together we explore opportunities to acknowledge others for the contributions they make to enhance our careers and support our personal well-being. The art of saying thank-you—acknowledgment—is best learned through experience. To that end, I model how to express gratitude by acknowledging my client. This simple action has a profound impact.
My client is moved because I have said something way beyond “you are great” and acknowledged them by stating, “I am so happy that we met. I am inspired by your energy, intellect and by your example of what it means to excel in your field”. Remember that the word acknowledge means to state the truth or existence of a quality that the person has. And above all, remember that expressing your gratitude is lightyears away from providing feedback!
It is powerful to express your gratitude.
As we prepare for Thanksgiving, think about the people that you want to acknowledge for contributing to your life. The benefits accrue to you while inspiring another. Who will you 
acknowledge?
See below for an abundance of inspirational quotations:
“Give thanks not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of your life. Appreciate and never take for granted all that you have.” Catherine Pulsifer
“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” Eckhart Tolle
“Silent gratitude isn’t very much to anyone.” Gertrude Stein
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” Willie Nelson
“This a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” Maya Angelou