We lead busy lives, moving at top speed to and from countless commitments: gym, office, child's soccer practice, PTA meeting, dinner, emails, sleep, and repeat. Now, we have the holidays to throw into the mix -- as if our schedules were not packed enough! Between figuring out the Thanksgiving menu, to where exactly that many family members will fit in the house, to once again attempt to schedule that "catch up" lunch with a friend, it's a wonder how anyone has time to remember what to be thankful for.
There is an old Zen saying: Mediate 10 minutes a day, unless you're too busy. Then you should meditate for an hour.
I think that advice should go for giving thanks, too. The less time we have to appreciate what we have in life, the more we really need to do so. How easy is it to start to resent the great taste of our morning coffee when our only association is fuel for another hectic day?
This year, I put up a "Thankful Board" in the living room for my kids and me to write notes about what we are thankful for. It's a great way to get the whole family involved in reflecting on what we are grateful for. I've seen some really creative ideas online of "Gratitude Trees" made from small tree branches that everyone can write what they are grateful for on a paper leaf to hang on the tree.
Life is precious, and it is also short. We need to overpower the noise of Black Friday door-buster ads with the sound of our own gratitude, towards things as little as owning a killer pair of pumps, to priceless treasures, like our children or parents. There are far too many people without family or friends, a warm home or hot food. Yet these are the things we most often take for granted, myself included.
This year, I am grateful for my wonderful children. Each day they inspire and amaze me. I feel so blessed to be able to spend time with them as they learn and grow, and am grateful I can provide them what they need to thrive. I am thankful for my business, and for everyone who's helped me along the way to make it what it is today. I'm grateful for my loving family and friends who have provided me support beyond measure and put a smile on my face every day.
We lead busy lives. Take time to reflect on your gratitude. I promise it will give the monotony of day to day life more meaning.
So... what are you thankful for?