"Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die, so, let us all be thankful." — Buddha
In November it’s a tradition to celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States. In other countries Thanksgiving is celebrated at other times of the year. I’ve written about giving thanks before and it’s worth repeating. Not enough people say thanks. And most don’t give thanks often enough.
This Thanksgiving count your blessings, not your calories.
Wherever you live, there is much to be thankful for. Make a list of your blessings. Here are a few things I’m thankful for:
* My husband and daughter.
* My parents and siblings.
* Health for myself and those I care about.
* Friends who encourage and support me.
* The ability and opportunity to write this column
* My readers, those who follow me on Twitter (PamRecruit), and those who are friends on Facebook or connected with me on Linkedin.
* Teachers in my past like Emma Gilmetti, who gave up her lunch hour during my senior year in high school so I could learn French; Charles Grande who showed me he cared and wanted to learn from me; and Carole Scambray, who tried to teach me the importance of deadlines, though at that time I didn’t appreciate getting a B instead of an A because I turned my paper in late.
* My daughter’s teachers, like Matthew Schroeder, who inspire her and motivate her to get up super early for school. Her first class, U.S. History, starts at zero hour (6:50 am).
* My career coaching and recruiting clients.
* Blue skies and changing leaves.
* Colleges and art schools that have allowed me to share my experience with their students.
* Freedom to choose who to vote for (November is also election time in the U.S.)
Another American holiday in November is Veteran’s Day. I want to thank all those who have served and are serving the cause of freedom. Their families deserve thanks as well.
What is on your list? Who is on your list?
Take the time this month and all year to give thanks to those who help or support you, whether it’s a family member, friend or colleague. If you have a job, thank your boss for hiring you, and taking the risk of running a business. If you are a business owner, thank your clients and vendors for helping you to stay in business. If you are a boss, thank your employees for their contributions to your business and for their efforts.
The right words can give someone a lift. There’s nothing more powerful than a sincere compliment.
Being grateful can have a powerful impact on your life. Studies have shown that grateful people are happier and enjoy better health. In her book, Thank You Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You, Deborah Norville writes, "Practicing gratitude, acknowledging the blessings in your life, and making it a point to recognize those good things, will positively change your life. You will be happier, healthier, and better able to handle the stresses of daily life simply by saying thank you."
Make appreciation a regular daily habit all year and you’ll notice a difference in your life as you affect others around you. More praise can make a world of difference and can make a different world.
Resources: Thank You Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You by Deborah Norville, published by Thomas Nelson, 2007.
Pamela Kleibrink Thompson wants to give thanks to the many people in her life who are making a difference simply by being positive. She is a recruiter and career coach and speaks at colleges and conferences. She also contributed an article to the book An Eclectic Collage, Relationships of Life, which is available on Amazon.com or from Freundshippress.com. You can reach Pamela at PamRecruit@q.com.