So often we get caught focusing on all the negatives in our lives to such a degree that we forget about the positives. We end up concentrating on all the things that bring us down; the things we don’t have, our financial struggles, the last argument we had with a loved one and a thousand other negatives we can’t seem to shake.
In the midst of all the negatives running through our heads, we forget that we have a lot of things to be thankful for.
I’m as guilty of this as anyone. For example, I’ve just spent much of my day dealing with technical difficulties related to a new product I’ve created. I’ve been so focused and annoyed about the glitches that I haven’t even thought about how cool it is to launch my first product. The glitches are an inconvenience; my product is an exciting new step.
So in honor of Thanksgiving, I’m going to take the time to be thankful…what a novel idea I know and here it is:
I’m thankful for:
1. My family…a great husband and two wonderful kids.
2. My family’s health.
3. Laughter.
4. The ability to own my own business successfully.
5. The struggles that make me stronger without killing me in the process.
6. A great Chocolate Lab who excitedly greets all of us everyday with her tail wagging and endless kisses. (Where else do we get such unconditional love!)
7. My sister’s recovery so far.
8. The opportunity to be at my father’s bedside, with family, when he took his last breath.
9. Friends who have my back and want nothing but the best for me.
10. Many people who center their lives on doing the right thing and helping those in need…they are a great example to me and an asset to our world.
11. My mother still being with us.
12. The launch of my Couples Power Pack and Parenting Power Pack.
I could make an endless list and I’m betting so could most of you if you took the time to see past the grey clouds for the ray of sun.
Give your family a gift this Thanksgiving and be more positive. Tell them what you like about them, spread some random tender sprinkles (acts of kindness) throughout the day, and be proud you brought joy to others. When you get annoyed with a loved one–be thankful s/he is alive for you to be annoyed with. If you’ve recently lost a loved one–be thankful you had him/her in the first place.
Just take the time to be thankful…who knows, you may find out that you have more to be thankful for than you ever realized.
Challenge: Have a wonderful, peaceful, loving Thanksgiving!