It's November, that time of year where we draw special attention to everything we are thankful for. In my humble opinion, I wish this was the mindset of more people all year long, every day, rather than one month and day in particular but it's better than nothing. This is the time of year to appreciate what you have and who you have in your life. We are so blessed!
I try to do this every day, some days I rock the "thankful" thing, other days not so much. I'm human. From the fact that I wake up every morning (even though it was at 4 a.m. with a headache today, I woke up) to the people and blessings I have in my life, I try to be grateful. I always try to remember the saying "what if you only woke up today with what you were thankful for yesterday?". Wow, if that doesn't make you pause to appreciate and be thankful for what you have then I don't know what will.
We are doing a gratitude activity at work where we can write three co-workers, of our choice, a note with the premises of what and why we appreciate and are thankful for them. My first thoughts went to what about those who don't get a note of appreciation from any of their coworkers. I've been off the "list" with these kinds of activities before. I was typically one of the last ones chosen for teams in school (until high school when I learned not to be so shy). It is no fun to be left out and overlooked. It makes you question your worth and your whole being-it really kind of hurts. So on Monday I went to my coworker who is in charge of this activity and asked if she would let me know who does not get an "I appreciate you" note by the deadline. I wanted to make sure everyone got a note to the best of my ability.
Today she came to me with a list of people who she has not gotten an appreciation note to pass along to. I chose a couple, I passed a name or two along to other people who I knew would happily write a note and I tried to make sure everyone is made to feel appreciated. Just a small act of kindness and I know there were a couple of other people on staff who had the same conversation wanting to make sure everyone was recognized and received a note. A little kindness goes a long way.
Every morning and night I take a few moments to appreciate things like a roof over my head, food on the table, a country where freedom is a blessing, my kids and their spouses and the newest members of our family, my granddaughter, and granddog. I also ask for a good day for all my kids and spouses, safe travels to and from their workplace and that they are blessed in whatever way they need to be. I keep it simple and general-God know what each of us needs.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, simply because it is a day to appreciate and eat. To stop, relax, spend time with family and friends and to just be present in the moment. Learning and being thankful every day is a blessing.
