Everyday when I wake up the first thing I do is make a list of the things I’m grateful for. Because I do this daily, my list is usually a mixture of the big items (health, life, etc) and small blessings that may have happened in the last 24 hours (no line at the store, a good parking space, etc)
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here is my ultimate list of gratitudes:
1) I’m thankful to be born in America during the 20th century. Only 5% of the world’s population live in the United States and by a twist of fate, roll of the dice or luck of the draw I’m one of them. Living in the West, I’m thankful everyday to live during the time of air conditioners and automobiles. I’m also thankful for the pioneers who came before me for doing the hard work involved in settling this majestic part of the country.
2) I’m thankful for being born into my family. They’re not perfect but they taught me important values: self-reliance, integrity, honesty, loyalty and determination. Being born into a large extended family living within miles of each other, taught me that family comes first and we’re all in this together. I’m thankful for my children, Jessica and Joshua (no link for him!); for my mother and Jerry; and for my brother & sister along with their families. I’m especially thankful for my sweetie.
3) I’m thankful for the many role-models and mentors I have meet along the journey to today. They helped me refine my basic values (see family above) into my current code of conduct and belief. Many were women, many are no longer with us, all are held close to my heart.
4) I’m thankful for having the freedom to choose when and where I’ll spend my working hours. I’ve had the good fortune to affiliate with companies who provide environments that let me mentor, educate & compete at my own pace and skill level. I’ve met many inspiring, intelligent and fun friends and colleagues.
5) Finally, I’m thankful for the ultimate gift of health. If you’ve ever been sick, I mean can’t get out of bed or function sick, you know that at that moment all that matters is getting better. Everything else on this list loses importance if you don’t have good health. As I age, I become more and more aware of the fragility of life and the importance of taking care of myself. I’m thankful every morning I wake up alive and well.
Now, it’s your turn. Count your blessings everyday and you will receive inner calm as well as the key to ultimate success.
Happy Thanksgiving!
