The Tera Transformation Times - November 2024

On November 28, we will celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States, a day filled with abundant food, American football, and both laughter and drama among friends and family.

Gratitude is one of my top five values, so I love the idea of pausing to appreciate the countless blessings—both obvious and disguised—that we receive every day.

Here are the top ten things I am most grateful for this year.

1) People in my life – I wouldn’t be who I am without the people who have become part of my journey, no matter how brief or long their stay. I am blessed to have positive relationships with my family and friends, and I work with amazing colleagues across various industries. Even individuals who challenge me have helped me grow in empathy and compassion. Since we all have competing priorities, I treasure the moments I spend with loved ones and focus on being present. It’s the quality of each interaction that matters most.

2) Health – Being healthy gives me physical and mental energy to learn and pursue my interests and bring my best self to life and others. Over time, I have realized how crucial it is to prioritize health early, rather than waiting until it becomes urgent. Take small steps now to improve your wellbeing - like a short walk, going to bed 15 minutes earlier, or adding one more serving of fruit or vegetables each week. Don't neglect your annual checkups because you think you don't have time. Nothing is stopping you from scheduling appointments for 2025 or setting a reminder on your phone to do so.

3) Positive intelligence – Positive intelligence found me a couple of years ago, and it has been life-changing. I have acquired new tools that help me manage my emotions and thoughts and be happier in everyday situations. My never-ending journey of self-discovery has been a blend of joy, sadness, frustration, and love.

4) Technology – Technology will never replace human connection for me, but it has certainly made it easier to stay in touch. Simple conveniences, like sending calendar invites or voice messages between meetings, allow me to show support and stay connected.

5) Creating content – Writing is one of my favorite activities and I do it daily. I lose track of time, I do not get hungry, I am in the moment, in flow. I am motivated because I see progress as I practice this craft every day. When I see the first article I published back in 2020 (yes, I keep them all in my computer) and the last one I appreciate that my effort is paying off.

6) Career – Back in 2020, I was simply thankful for work to fill the hours during the lockdown. Now, I’m grateful for a career that brings fulfillment and serves as a platform to make a difference. My work allows me to express my values of learning, striving for excellence, and uplifting others.

7) Financial stability – Having a healthy relationship with money enables us to align with our values and create the impact we want in life. Like physical health, financial stability is essential for bringing your best self forward. I am thankful that I continue to build on that relationship to create abundance.

8) Living in New York City – Before moving to NYC, I found the city quite overwhelming. There was so much - to do, eat, see, experience - that I got paralyzed; I didn't know where to start. Now that I live here, I have come to love its incredible diversity of people, food, art, events. I’m also mindful that my experience is different from many New Yorkers who struggle to make ends meet. And yes, the city could have fewer rats, more shelters, and better air conditioning, but where else can you find a restaurant offering Italian, American, Nepalese, and Indian dishes all in one spot?

9) Being able to drive – My father taught me to drive when I was fourteen - gracias, papa! He had an Isuzu pick-up truck that was part of the family since before I could read and write until I graduated from college. This car had no seatbelts, no power steering, no air conditioning, or radio, and by the time I was fourteen the emergency brake was no longer working. Driving is one of those activities most of us take for granted. But how freeing is it when you rent a car (or take your own) and explore?

10) Art and artists - What I love about art and the artists who create it is that it gives us permission to voice thoughts and feelings that might go unsaid. When a standup comedian talks about race or gender, he or she is exposing what many of us are thinking and/or experiencing. When Picasso created Guernica, he made an iconic representation of every city ever bombed. Art provokes deep emotions, makes us pause and reflect, and question our beliefs.

What are you thankful for this year? Please, let us know in the comments.

Published and Upcoming Articles

Last month I wrote about how to ask for help and how to improve impulse control. I invite you to experiment with the tips and tools proposed in each article and modify them to fit your needs and personal style.

Both are also available on video.

How to Ask for Help: Building Trust and Growth through Seeking Advice

How to Improve Impulse Control: Strategies for Managing Emotions and Reacting Thoughtfully

In November I will be talking about how to overcome perfectionism and languishing.

To receive them directly in your inbox, join our email list by completing this form with your name and email. In gratitude, we will send you a free e-book on how to become an emotionally intelligent leader.

Si deseas recibir contenido en espa?ol, únete a nuestra lista de correo electrónico. Completa esta forma con tu nombre y correo y, en agradecimiento, te enviaremos un libro electrónico gratuito sobre cómo convertirte en líder emocionalmente inteligente.

Quote of the Month

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, American philosopher

Laughter is the best medicine

Background of the month

The background of the month could not be any other than Thanksgiving-themed. Here are some fun and interesting facts about Thanksgiving:

• Americans consume more than 45 million turkeys on Thanksgiving, compared to 22 million at Christmas and 19 million on Easter.
• Thanksgiving is the most popular day in the U.S. for racing.
• A typical adult needs to spend 10 hours at a steady pace on a treadmill to burn off an average Thanksgiving meal.
• It takes an average of 9.6 hours for a host to prepare a full Thanksgiving meal... And 16 minutes to eat it!
• The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is known as “Drinksgiving.” Thanksgiving Eve is traditionally the busiest bar night of the year.

One Last Thing Before You Go

It would be immensely helpful to know what type of content you want to receive in this newsletter. Please post your feedback in the comments section or contact me directly via LinkedIn.

For more content, join our email list and receive helpful articles, humor, and the latest publications by completing this form with your name and email. In gratitude, we will send you a free e-book on how to become an emotionally intelligent leader.

Si deseas recibir contenido en espa?ol, únete a nuestra lista de correo electrónico. Completa esta forma con tu nombre y correo electrónico y, en agradecimiento, te enviaremos un libro electrónico gratuito sobre cómo convertirte en líder emocionalmente inteligente.