Being Thankful!

Being Thankful!

With Thanksgiving upon us (an American holiday celebrating gratitude for the harvest, the strength of a people, and the beginnings of a country), it seems only fitting to write about things we should be grateful for, as well as put in a few plugs about HOW to be appreciative.

Did you know that there are people out there who do not know how to be grateful?  Did you know that some of them were even TAUGHT not to be grateful? As baffling as that may sound, it’s true.  I know of some people who have been taught that saying “thank you” is a sign of weakness.  These people have no friends and they have no happiness in their lives.  They do it for “power” and “respect” sake, but, personally, I think it takes away their power and respect.  I don’t respect them at all…do you?

I believe that saying “thank you” is a great token of power.  It takes a person “of power” to be strong enough to humble themselves to say “thank you.”

Paradox?
Perhaps, but if you realize that there is great strength in gratitude, you will be more grateful, more often.  This will increase your power, and the respect others have for you.

When you aren’t grateful, you’re saying you expect people to do things for you without recognition or respect.  How can others respect you if you don’t respect them?

(Side note:  I am speaking from a “being 100% happy” point of view.  I know that there are people out there who are in power and who have minions of plebeians that respect them…or is it fear?  Both of these groups have no happiness…they are probably are not reading these posts…they are not my audience).

I presented a workshop a few nights ago about Developing Your Leadership Skills.  One of the things that was covered was the fact that when you’re a leader, if you want a well-oiled machine (whether it’s a business, sports team, or social club) you must show your gratitude to the team by fulfilling a “contract.”  A “contract” (whether written, verbal, or just understood) will have benefits to both the leader and the team player.  In some instances the “contract” calls for a “pat on the back” or “a job well done” or a simple “thank you.”

I, personally, am more motivated by acknowledgement than by money, so I thrive on gratitude.  If I have made your life better, in any way, I would love to know it.  Don’t get me wrong, I still need to have money in my life, and I still work to get money in my life, but I am not motivated by that…I am motivated by love, life, light, laughter, honor, respect…and gratitude!!

Now, what is the best and easiest way to show your gratitude?

Make a list of things that you’re thankful for, recognize who is responsible for the specific thing that you are thankful for, and thank the person who is responsible for the specific thing that you are thankful for.  (Bear in mind that there are probably a ton of blessings in your life that could only be attributed to God…please make sure that you show your gratitude to Him by telling Him {praying}, and living your life the way He would have you live it.)

And now a short and simple list of things that I am thankful for (not in any particular order and not at all a complete list):

Family
God
Talents
Music
Creativity
Love
Life
Light
Laughter
You
Freedom
Health
The Arts
Mentors
Education
Home
Luxuries in life that I enjoy
Tithing
Transportation
Food

These are just a few things that I am thankful for…I didn’t want to get into details like, “I’m thankful my foot didn’t break during the basketball game when a large table fell on it!!” although I have deep gratitude for that, I just didn’t want this posting to be more than a 1000 words.

So have a fabulous Thanksgiving and remember that we are celebrating it because of some brave people who came before us.  People who wanted to have blessings that they weren’t being allowed.

I love you…I am so very grateful for you!!  Thank you!!

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