An Attitude of Gratitude

Just a few Thanksgiving thoughts…

It seems that there are not that many places that have a Thanksgiving celebration such as in the United States. Although I am sure many churches do give thanks in their services, the whole event of celebrating what we can be grateful for is, I think, a very good thing. And as it is an opportunity for families to get together, it makes it even better.

Which brings us to my next point: Why not use today’s attitude of gratitude and thanks giving everyday of the year? While you are altogether with your families, in between a turkey bite and a touch down, why not take a minute to take a pledge? This pledge: that you will keep this attitude everyday this year. That you will get up every morning and remind yourself that you have plenty to be grateful for. Always, no matter what.

I think it is great that we make it a big deal once a year. But if you have kids, teaching them to live their lives with a constant attitude of gratitude is the best gift you will ever give them. In his now famous last lecture, Randy Pausch said something along the lines of: you can’t choose the cards you’re dealt, but you can choose how you play the hand. Having this kind of life energy and positiveness doesn’t always come naturally but it can definitely be learned.

So here’s my suggestion for you for Thanksgiving: Take a few minutes to sit together as a family with your kids, and share what you are all grateful for. Better still: write it. Make a list and keep it so that you can look at it every day and add to it as you go along. Today, out of all days, focus on all the positive and make it a habit!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!