I figured that since I may not be on much over the holidays I would wish everyone a happy thanksgiving just in case I dont have an opportunity to do so after today.
Its that time of year again and the holiday season is getting ready to kick off. While we are in the midst of economic upheaval and many things seem uncertain and confidence is probably at an all time low I encourage each of you to take a moment and reflect for just a moment.
While it may seem that we are being tossed to and fro and we are just leaves being blow from here and there amidst the storm of life we ALL still have a great deal to be thankful for. Sure, we could say well we are alive, breathing and all that but really there is so much more.
Many of us will be taking trips to spend time with friends and family and if you take a moment to ponder you will see there is much more to be thankful for. If are married and look over to your spouse, take a moment to be thankful for all that he or she has been through with you. The ups, the downs, the disagreements and wonderful moments of bliss that you have shared. Be thankful that at this moment, in this time, on this day, you have each other.
Be thankful for your friends that are there in times of need and there to provide that voice and that insight that may be difficult to realize when you are faced with life and all it can present. All too often we take friendships for granted and we need to take a moment and realize and be thankful for the contribution that they make to our lives. We, myself included, often find it easy to 'dump' on them and yet they remain, they take what we dish out and yet remain true. And like spouses there may be times of disagreement and times it seems you could conquer the world. And as with spouses we need to cherish the high points and celebrate the times that you disagree, because even that offers an opportunity to strengthen the relationship, to grow and become more than you are.
Be thankful for all that we have. More so, be thankful that even if we lost our cars, our houses, our toys and all the material things we hold on to, we still have each other. We still have a community that is made up people, friends, family and so on that EACH have something to contribute. And its that contribution that makes groups like this, a community like this so fantastic to be a part of. There is no contribution that is too large or too small and there is no such thing as an insignificant contribution.
The question has been asked "What does it take to be great?"
I have answered that question before and the truth is there is nothing that can be taken from you that will make you 'great' or cause you to become 'great'. No, not one thing can be taken from you that will cause this to happen.
However, there is something that you can give. That if you choose to do so and do it without question, without consideration, without resentment, without motivation and without ceasing, then you will become great.
What is this thing that you can give? Yourself!
Today and during this holiday time as we ponder all that we truly have to be thankful for I would also encourage you to consider what you can give of yourself to make someones holiday a thankful one. Whether that be of your money, time, talent or whatever it is. It is in those moments, when we sacrifice of ourselves, when we seek out ways to give when there seems no way to do so, THOSE are the times we achieve greatness and change the world.
Have a happy thanksgiving everyone.