Gratitude is the common thread that runs through Americans for the next couple of weeks. It should be all year-long! As I observe the blessings of living in Southern California where today it’s 75 degrees and sunny, I began to think about how much gratitude I have for life. As other’s do this week and next, I started to make a mental list of things I appreciate and try not to take for granted. There are simple things such as good health, family, love, and friends. There is a roof over my head, and food in my kitchen. My little dog Laci, rubs up against my leg with affection, knowing that she is unconditionally loved, and loves back the same way. Love – the emotion that is most expensive, yet most gratifying. I’m so fortunate to have found love with my husband of 36 years. We've shared so many journeys. Some wonderful, and other’s painful. Each journey has offered timeless lessons and layers to our life. My husband has cheered me on, comforted me in sorrow, and taken care of me when I was ill. He has supported my activities and several careers throughout the years. We've shared some really tough times, and come through as better individuals and a stronger couple. Yes, we've used the “sickness and in health” commitment, and the “for better or worse”, too. If I had it to do over, I would do it in a heartbeat!
Family – can extend to anyone you want to include. Some of my closest family are my friends. When I was a little girl, I was told that if you could count your true friends on one hand you were truly blessed. Well, that’s me. I’m so fortunate to have the most wonderful friends. They have offered such loyalty over the years. No matter what, my friends have been there when I needed them, as I am for them. There is a circle of life and what goes around DOES come around. My sister, although living thousands of miles away, is as close as my cell phone. When we’re together, it’s as if we’ve never been apart. If I need her, or vice versa, we’re there for each other. Our children mean the world to us, and we love the appreciation that goes both ways as they are now adults. Our children have given us angst and pride over the years. More lessons! All in all, we’re blessed. Our 3 kids, their spouses and children are tremendous blessings.
Health – We don’t take this for granted. We've both had some pretty serious health issues and as a result, don’t take anything for granted here. Gratitude for getting through these challenges and what we've learned as a result is a given.
Clients and Business Associates - Here's an area that most of us don't really stop to think about. Are we grateful for ALL of our clients and business pals? Do we let them know? I recently received a "thank you note" from a former client, just to stay in touch and let me know that he appreciated our relationship from afar. He now lives and works in Washington State. A simple "thank you" and "gratitude" for the relationship goes a long way. As a professional coach with tools like Face Time and Skype, not only am I grateful for these tools, but for the "connections" that I am able to maintain, nurture and grow.
So, I have a lot to be grateful for, and this is just a small list. Take some quiet time ion the coming days, and just contemplate your blessings. When you sit at your Thanksgiving table, grab hands and say a blessing of gratitude. We all have much to be thankful for.
What are you grateful for this week?