What Are You Thankful For?

Image by Jean MacDougall-Tattan

A friend recently told me that every morning she looks in the mirror and names one thing she feels thankful for because it starts the day with positivity and sets the tone from that point forward.

Even on a bad day, something positive keeps us going. The bar doesn’t have to be high. You can be thankful because the sun is out. You feel good. Your child smiled. You bought something you really like at a bargain price. You finally made dinner plans with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Work is going well. And though you don’t completely trust it, your grumpy boss is being nice.

Are you going through a time when nothing seems to bring you joy?

Try thinking about what could be ahead. Is there something to look forward to? Having a plan or a goal can help us stay on track and minimize the thought that life “happens” to us. Imagine leaving that feeling of victimization in the rear-view mirror, taking charge of the course, and making your own happiness. Is there something you’ve longed to do but never found the time? Think about how much fun it would be to invite that opportunity into your life, make it happen, and feel gratitude.

We can make time if we plan.

We tell ourselves that we don’t have time, but we often discover that we do, like when we can’t squeeze in that dreaded doctor’s appointment until it’s been etched into our daily planner. Taking care of our health should be a priority, but shouldn’t we give just as much weight to the things that make us happy? What we must do far outweighs what we wish to do, which is unhealthy and unfair. How often have you heard someone say that if they don’t put something enjoyable in their calendar, an unenjoyable obligation will surely take its place? That means we do have time if we plan ahead, make room, and accommodate for the things that make us smile. So, write it in the calendar in ink, not pencil, so it becomes an immovable self-imposed call to action.

What would you like to fit into your life?

Is there a class you’d like to take to further your education, improve your skill set, or enhance your downtime? How about a new hobby? Someone I know just started pottery classes. She’s been in love with the idea since the movie Ghost, starring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze, came out in 1990. That was thirty-five years ago! She never had time, and now she doesn’t understand why she waited, because she feels like she’s found her calling. Other people think she has, too.

Gratitude can change the way you see the world.

What about you? Can you block time in your calendar to start the process, even if it’s just to make a phone call to inquire? Big changes usually begin with a small first step, so start the ball rolling and see where it goes. What are you thankful for? What would you like to be thankful for? Joy does not come from the things we have. It comes from how we perceive ourselves and our circumstances. Joy is a deep sense of inner peace, even in the face of hardship. During this season of Thanksgiving, try starting your day with a moment of thankfulness or gratitude. People say it can change the way you see the world. Happy Thanksgiving!

Until next time,
Jean
AKA The Strategic Chicken
                     — Making life’s journey one strategic step at a time.