Gratitude Department

As we all gathered around the Thanksgiving Day table with family and/or friends, I hope that your thoughts were not only on the bounty that laid in front of you.  This is one day in the year where we can set everything aside to be grateful for what we have, be grateful for the people who have touched our lives and be grateful for those who are around us.  This is also the time of year where, hopefully, you have thought of those less fortunate and have taken the time to help at a food bank/shelter, donated to a food drive or were involved in an adopt-a-family program.  It is not only important that we enjoy this feast, but also that we give someone that is in a lesser situation the opportunity to enjoy a special meal with their family and/or friends as well.

There have been times in my life, when I was at a Thanksgiving Day meal, where the host went around the room and asked everyone to say what they are grateful for.  The pressure to perform and stand up with some comment was always tough.  To compress an entire year into a single sentence of thankfulness is not a simple task.  I was never a fan of doing this as I did not want to leave anyone out, sound goofy or feel uncomfortable.  Being thankful and showing gratitude is not something to be condensed into a single moment where some of the people, or events, are not even present to be the recipient of the words being spoken.  I opt for being able to express your gratitude throughout the year and to the people you wish to express it to.

Remember, do not wait until a specific time of year to be grateful/thankful.  Thank people when they have done something good, for they will be happy someone has recognized their efforts.  Acknowledge the people you work with for putting in an extra effort.  Remember to express gratitude to your family members, who sometimes, not meaning to, we might take for granted.  They are specifically the people we spend most of our time with, get to live with when going through tough times and the ones who provide daily support.  Remember to say those two simple words, “Thank You,” when someone does something good.  It is sometimes the smallest gestures of gratitude that can lead to the biggest impacts.  Remember to have an attitude of gratitude in this season of thankfulness.