Gratitude and Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving. Established from early settlers of the New World as a means to give thanks for their food (from the harvest) and others that had helped them establish their new settlements, Thanksgiving has maintained the tradition of gratitude. More so, in recent years, the idea and benefits of gratitude has come to the surface. It is more than just being thankful for the harvest or good fortune in the year, it is also about the small things that happen each day.

Perhaps most importantly, gratitude is about more than a single day or event. It is a practice and a behavior that anyone can (and should) have throughout the year. Everyone has something to be grateful for, even in hard times, or when challenges exist. I believe the more good we can find, the more good will find us.

During this season of Thanksgiving, I challenge you with two things. First, share your thanks with at least three people in the next week. What are you thankful for in your life, personal and professional? Who are you thankful for? And what has that meant to you? Second, begin a practice of sharing thanks and gratitude at least once each week to someone you encounter or know.

For me, I am thankful for remaining healthy this year. This has allowed me to serve others better, while also taking care of my family, and me. I am thankful for my family and the support they show me for the (often) long hours I work. As a bonus, within that are the reminders they give me to stop working. As I plan better and practice time management, I am over-working less. Their patience and support encourages me to get even better, especially during those crazy times when it seems there are never enough hours (there isn’t). I am also grateful for their support as I concentrated on my eating habits and exercise routine, leading to thirty plus pounds lost and feeling better than I have in probably a decade. I could go on, but I think that captures the essence of my challenge. Now, I too will ensure I carry that forward and practice showing gratitude not only once per year, but each week with others.

Happy Thanksgiving and may you have many things ahead for feel grateful for.

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