Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S. It’s a day that reminds us how much we truly have to be thankful for. With all of life’s hurriedness and angst, it’s so easy to forget the many blessings we’ve been given.
Doesn’t it sometimes seem like such a stretch when assigning ourselves the task of listing our blessings; that for which we should be appreciative? Personally, I always have to think really hard, then I feel a sense of embarrassment because I know I’m trying to look for all the “extra-special” things, and unintentionally forgetting the “regular” things.
So, just what can/should we be grateful for? By the way, in – what I call the “politically correct” aspect of the world of personal development, sometimes the use of the word “should” is discouraged. I don’t agree (of course, that doesn’t discount the fact I could be wrong); in my opinion, there are certain “shoulds” in life, and one is “gratitude.” Being grateful for what we have is a key to happiness.
The Talmud asks, “Who is rich?” then answers, “That person who rejoices in their lot.”
Let’s look at just a few things which “rate” gratitude, or gratefulness:
Comfortable shelter. A job or career that satisfies you (not that you can’t strive for more, while still appreciating what you have), while paying you enough to feed yourself, and any other mouths for which you are responsible. A vehicle which takes you from point A to point B. Clothes that keep you warm. A spouse or significant other you love and who loves you. Family members you love and who love you.
Those are really good. Let’s dig a bit deeper:
Eyes out of which you can see, from your loved one in front of you, to the magnificence of a sunrise/sunset, to the deep green grass to the majestically beautiful mountain.
Ears out of which you can hear, from your child saying, “I love you,” to your dog barking, to anyone telling you hello, to the music playing (even loud, obnoxious music that isn’t your type).
A mouth out of which you can communicate after using your mind to first reason out what you’re going to say :-), from telling someone you love, “I love you,” to warning someone to look out for the banana peel, to sharing a funny story, to offering much needed advice to someone who has come to you for help.
Legs with which you can walk, fingers with which you can touch and feel, and arms with which you can hug.
Let’s go to even more of a micro level:
You know that cup of coffee you enjoyed this morning, or might even be enjoying now? There’s a lot to appreciate there, as well.
Of course, it probably just tastes incredibly good. But, more so, how did it come to be that you could even have it there to enjoy?
Well, first it had to be grown somewhere. Then, cultivated. Then shipped. Then blended. Then transported. Then, transported again. Finally, it was in the store where you either bought it in a can or bag, or it was already brewed for you. And, anything you put into the coffee to enhance your level of enjoyment from it had to go through a similar process.
Then, you got to taste it…the warmth, the richness, the flavor, the incredible feeling of simply enjoying a cup of coffee while at your computer or perhaps reading your newspaper. While you’re at it, take a moment to also appreciate all the work from different people and places that went into the producing of the newspaper and/or the computer. It’s almost overwhelming how much there is for which to be grateful! (By the way, to really appreciate the magnificence of what it takes to bring us practically any product at all, purchase a nifty little pamphlet called “I, Pencil” by calling 1-914-591-7230. It’ll blow you away. You can also read it for free here.)
How do we apply this appreciation in our dealing with others? So often we become angry at the difficult person whose bad attitude makes our life difficult. If we can look at this person, however, with total appreciation for what they are; a fellow child of our Creator, a human being doing the best they can based on their knowledge, upbringing, circumstances and way of seeing the world, we can have a whole new respect and level of appreciation for that person and what they represent. Even if what they represent to us is simply a learning experience from which we can grow to be a better, more understanding, and more effective person ourselves.
And guess what? Appreciation for everything we’ve discussed, and much more, is not limited to one day of Thanksgiving. We can practice the “skill” of appreciation as much as we want to, every single day. Try it for just 21 days straight – it will change your life!
So, this Thanksgiving, enjoy the food, the company, and even the day off from work. But, more than anything, appreciate the fact that you have so much to appreciate…and appreciate that.
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great article and reminder about the smaller things in life that we should be thankful for.
I am watching the philadelphia parade and was reminded to be thankful for our military and their families too – i think this is worth a mention as they were giving thanks and having to give their families virtual hugs via messages on the TV.
http://www.aboutone.com/ogt
I regret not reading this actually on Thanksgiving. I was serving in the National Kettle Kickoff at Cowboy Stadium. While many may think that was a piece of cake, it wasn’t. Our “Thanksgiving meal” was cold sandwiches served at 10:30 & we had 15 minutes to “gobble” them down. The temp was 41 degrees with a wind chill of much colder & some of our team worked in the parking lot. We arrived into total & complete chaos as security was overwhelmed at which direction to take. One of the lead officers walked up try to begin sorting us. I walked to him, smiled, extended my hand, introduced myself & explained our assignment. He immediately assigned an officer to escort us through the stadium to our gate. At that time, my team was not so disappointed that I had donned them, “Purple Team” as they recognized leadership has privileges.
Once the doors opened at 1pm, we smiled, greeted everyone & was gracious for every donation. The problem with this was that somehow, due to miscommunication, we didn’t have our beloved stands which proudly identifies us as the actual Salvation Army & not just some thug w/ a red kettle. This didn’t damper our spirits! We stood proudly at the doors while blasts of frozen air & even more crowds of frozen people crowded in. Someone was gracious enough to drive back to Waxahachie, pick them up & we looked official w/ bells, aprons, & kettle stands. While being in the Cowboy stadium was a treat, we worked. Keith Urban was a blitz to us, but did a great halftime show. I was proud that he even wore red!
Halftime was over & we collected our stands, took our kettles to security to be accounted for & were exhausted. Our cold sandwiches were long gone & the only chance we had to sit was when we went to the bathroom. Since we had free tickets to enjoy the game, by the time we were finished gathering our things, there was just one quarter left. I am from La. & now live in TX so….either team that won, would have been my team!
I was a team leader of 8 amazing people. They kept a thankful attitude & many stepped out of their comfort zones to greet people. Seriously, some found their voice & courage.
Why did I share this? I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in what not only identifies the Salvation Army this time of year, but because of the economy, is a life support to many families throughout the year. It was more than just being privy to the game at any given second. I served with people who gave up time with their families to be there. I served with teens who stood in the parking lot until it began to rain. I served with people who understand the joy of giving. The stadium was grand, it’s security / employees were even more awesome as they assisted us at any endeavor.
We will debrief, P.D.C.A., & be ready for next year. I am thankful! Next year may find me serving in a soup line or back at the stadium. Wherever I am, I choose to be grateful!
I am, of course, thankful for people like yourself in my life.
Blessings,
g
Joanne: Thank you. You are absolutely correct. We honor and thank all of our service men and women for the huge sacrifices they make on an everyday basis!
Geneva: Once again, you amaze me, my friend. You’ve got one of the biggest hearts I know of. You’re one of those people for whom I am extremely grateful!
Mr. Burg,
Another great post and another super topic that I am happy to contribute to. One of the reasons people do not express or feel gratitude in their lives is that they are focused on what is lacking rather than what they already have. This is common among goal setters and results oriented individuals, in my opinion. It is too easy to concentrate on where we are missing the bar rather than what we have achieved. This might also be due to our culture as a whole as epitomized by the Walter Hagen quote. “No one remembers who came second.”
If people would stop and take a moment to count their blessings, they would see what great things they all ready have and what more would be available to them. In a recent article of the Wall Street Journal By Melinda Beck, she stated that there is a growing body of research suggesting maintaining an attitude of gratitude can improve psychological, emotional, and physical well being. In addition, adults who frequently feel grateful tend to have more energy, more optimism and more happiness than those do not.
Our friend Nader Ashchi stated in a recent email, “The state of gratitude is like fuel to the fire of our potential.” To help people reach their potential I often suggest they keep a Gratitude Journal. Write at least three things each day you are grateful for. In this way you can exercise your Gratitude muscle just like any other muscle in your body. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. However, the opposite is also true. Through lack of use the muscle will shrink and become weak. I hope that I have added something to the discussion.
All my best,
Bob Martinelli
Follow me on Twitter: Bobthecardguy
thanks Mr. Burg for such a wonderful article..
Thank you for this gentle reminder, Bob, that gratefulness often times starts on the macro level, but can (and yes, “should”) be sought on a micro level too.
As I take time to reflect (before I enter the kitchen and all you-know-what breaks loose) I’m grateful, even for the pain and sadness I feel for the loss of my father this summer. Being the first holiday without a parent present is a sad day indeed, yet I’m comforted in knowing that life is on course as it should be, and that I have memories of holidays past to guide my heart and actions. I’m grateful for memories, and the days ahead to create new ones.
Cheers to you and yours, Bob. Thank you for all you do.
~Robin
Robin, thank you for writing and sharing your thoughts with us. I’m so very, very so for your loss!
Hi Bob,
How are you Bob? from time to time I feel that I have to thank you for your great inspiring and motivating blogs, I am truly grateful for having such a person like you to look up to. Thank you Bob there is so much to learn from you. P.S. I think it’s the mishna that quotes that:“Who is rich?” then answers, “That person who rejoices in their lot.”
Shlomo,
Yes, literally, The Mishna; Pirke Avot (4:1), as you know, questions asked by Simeon ben Zoma. My reason for saying “Talmud” is because the Mishna and Talmud are so connected that, to all but those who study this, the word, “Talmud” will be much more familiar and recognizable, without taking credit away from the Sages.