Hi Reader Welcome back,

In the beginning of this month I shared my letter, and highlighted the importance of finding your voice. I hope you had some time to gain insight into finding your voice and the value of who you are. Were you able to write down 2 to 3 reasons why you should share your voice? If you didn't do this assignment, is it because of timing or is there something holding you back?

You still have time to put your list together, so make sure to click here to access letter #7, or scroll down to the archive letters to find the last letter and the others I have shared with some great learning nuggets.

Hope you are ready for this months letter, I am truly excited about this letter because it involves bringing you ideas, tips, resources, and so much more.

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Letter #8

So today's letter finds me in a very vulnerable state. Here's why?

For several reasons November is MY month, and all of the reasons just happen to be interconnected. Besides it being a month to reflect on gratitude, it is a month that for me is full of joy, reflection, loss, and celebration. Here's a quick view of what November represents to me.

1. November 2nd: The launch celebration of the Catalyst Bridge Agency.
2. November 17th: The official launch of my company, Lifetime Events by Jacqueline.
3. November 20th: The passing of my dad.
4. November 22nd: MY BIRTHDAY
5. November Thanksgiving + Month of Gratitude

A Moment of Gratitude for Me. I would like to take you down memory lane and share with you one of my earliest birthday celebrations. My birthday always seemed to coincide with Thanksgiving, so my mom decided it was easier to celebrate my birthday on Thanksgiving day, which I LOVED. I don't have the photo I would like to share, but here is one that is super special.

You see for me November means joy, love, and the month I can say enlighten me with what gratitude truly is about. Gratitude does not have a template that people can copy and paste, but there are a few key factors that you can partake and curate it to who you are and what it means to you.

Here is a glimpse on the November 2nd Launch Celebration for The Catalyst Bridge Agency. I am grateful for everyone who was there and all the love and joy I received. Definitely a memory that went in my Gratitude Memory Journal.

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First, what is gratitude? Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Why does gratitude vary for each person? I believe that one's sense of gratitude is interconnected with their upbringing, the lessons they acquire as they grow into adulthood regarding right from wrong, and the life experiences they undergo. In my experience, growing up as shy and introverted girl helped me realize the importance of showing kindness towards others. As a result, I am able to appreciate everything that I have in my life.

Below are few things to consider as we start this season of Gratitude: (personally these are things that should be a part of our day to day.)

• Why are you grateful for waking up this morning? What made it special enough to be joyful?
• Who is the first person that comes to mind if you were ask, who are you grateful for having in your life today? And Why?
• Did something happened today that you are grateful for? What was it and why are you grateful? How did it change your view of life or how you proceed in life?
• Is there a memory that you are grateful for? Is it someone you connected with, fell in love with or lost?
• Is there a place you are grateful for? Why? Does it bring you peace or is there a special memory?

In addition, create some lists, notes or memory tokens:

• Gratitude Journal: So if you love journaling, get a new journal and make it your gratitude journal. My personal favorite.
• Gratitude Jar or Box: If you like to write notes, why not get a jar and small note paper so you can create a gratitude jar. write your notes or thoughts fold it up and drop it in the jar.
• Gratitude Tree: This has been one of my newest favorites. Getting a beautiful tree that you can add little notes of gratitude.
• Gratitude Rocks: Another favorite of mine. Take a walk at a nearby beach and collect some rocks. Then bring them home, clean them up and write a word of gratitude on it. Then place it in a jar or a special box.

The cool thing about any of the above activities is that at whatever point in your life that you need some encouragement, you can come to read those positive words or notes you wrote down.

And when it comes to expressing gratitude onto others, here are a few things:

• Send a text.
• Phone call.
• Send a handwritten card.
• Write a handwritten letter.
• Take them out.

If at a gathering, dinner or event, here are some gratitude icebreakers:

• If at a dinner table, go around the table to share why each person is grateful. Could be grateful for being there or just grateful for anything that comes to mind.
• Play the gratitude alphabet game. Each person takes turns with a letter of the alphabet and sharing a positive memory they are grateful for.
• Gratitude card exchange. This is where everyone writes a thank you note to another guest and shares it aloud. This can be in addition to bringing a dish to a potluck dinner.

The goal of all of these gratitude activities is to keep it positive and encouraging.

So are you ready? Ready to take a moment to reflect on the things that bring meaning to your life and for which you feel grateful?

Before I close my letter, I would like to share why I am grateful at this very moment. I am grateful for you. I appreciate your continuous support as I share my monthly letters with you. I deeply appreciate the feedback I receive from my readers, whether in person, through email replies, or via messages on social media to share how my letters have touched you or made a positive impact on your day. Thank you again for welcoming me into your space at least once a month.

Now that I have you in this space of gratitude, I challenge you to work on your short gratitude list at this moment. Don't walk away from the positive energy and joy you are feeling right now. Better yet, click reply to this email and send me a note sharing what you are grateful for today.

Until next month.

P.S. While I will not be back until next month, we can meet every week on my podcast or follow my journey via my Instagram's on @JV_NextLevel @LEBJV ​@ClassyJV ​@InspiredbyJacqueline​

P.S.S. Letter Archives: If you have missed the other letters, here's a cool feature I have created for you. The ARCHIVES https://www.catalystbridgeagency.com/monthly-letter-archive​

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Love, Hugs, and Kisses. xoxo

Jacqueline