To say Mississippians have a way with words is an understatement when you consider how many writers and artists have come from the Magnolia State. This Thanksgiving, we decided to let them do the talking about gratitude, appreciation and living a life of thankfulness.
 

“Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity; it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.”

– William Faulkner

“I live in gratitude to my parents for initiating me–and as early as I begged for it, without keeping me waiting–into knowledge of the word, into reading and spelling, by way of the alphabet.”

– Eudora Welty

“I spend a few minutes in meditation and prayer each morning. I find that this really helps me to start the day with a good frame of reference. As part of my prayers, I thank whoever is helping me – I’m sure that somebody or something is – I express gratitude for all my blessings and try to forgive the people that I’m feeling negative toward. I try hard not to judge anyone, and I try to bless everyone who is part of my life, particularly anyone with whom I am having any problems.”

– Jim Henson

“Every morning when I open my curtains for that first look at the day, no matter what the day looks like—raining, foggy, overcast, sunny—my heart swells with gratitude. I get another chance.”

– Oprah Winfrey

“It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. Be grateful…it’s not a word but a way of life.”

– Robin Roberts

“When you are mute, you become a good listener – it’s all one-way. You appreciate the written word. You appreciate the sound.”

– James Earl Jones