“Gratitude is an art of painting an adversity into a lovely picture.”
— Kak Sri
There’s a 50 percent chance that you’re disappointed or angry about the results of last week’s U.S. presidential election.
Now, don’t worry, this is not a political post. I would never go there (not online!). It’s also not meant to cast judgment on anyone.
But as we approach the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, I wanted to chime in with a different perspective — one that’s missing from the post election commentary. And one that’s lacking on my Facebook feed, where I’m seeing so much mudslinging.
Here it is.
I’m incredibly grateful for safe drinking water.
I’m grateful for a central heating system, indoor plumbing and a pantry full of food.
I’m grateful for two happy and healthy kids. And for a wife who loves me despite my numerous flaws.
I’m grateful for my parents. For all they sacrificed, for the valuable lessons they taught us and for the fact that they’re still here.
I’m grateful for the abundance of love in my life. Because love is all that matters.
T. D. Jakes once said, “Somebody is in the hospital begging God for the opportunity you have right now.”
So I’m grateful for good health, for a pain-free life and for access to excellent health care.
I’m grateful for my sister’s recovery from breast cancer. And for my brother-in-law’s improved health after a decade of serious health issues.
I’m grateful for a car that always starts when I turn the key. I spent years driving old cars that broke down all the time. And I often had no money to fix them.
I’m grateful for friends who are always there for me. For the dedicated teachers at my kids’ schools. For the blessing of living in a safe neighborhood.
For the change of seasons. The beauty of autumn.
For books and mentors that have shaped my life. For great ideas and opportunity.
For the kids down the street who sell lemonade and crafts out of their driveway. We need more entrepreneurs in this world.
For our two crazy dogs. We thought we rescued them. But they really rescued us.
For street musicians. Apple products. Art museums. Pumpkin pie. Pandora and Spotify. Homemade pesto. Small-production wine that was crafted with love. Great books… and cold, rainy days to read them. And the amazing gift of world-class coffee delivered to my door.
For the brave men and women of our military. And the first responders who put their lives on the line every day.
For the fact that I was born in a free, prosperous country. That’s an amazing gift, considering that a big part of the world’s population does not enjoy freedom.
For freedom of religion. Freedom to do my own thing. Freedom to travel and see the world.
For my business and the prosperity it has brought my family.
For my amazing team: Crystal, Brenda, Katie, Holly, Li and Jessica. Your dedication to excellence is inspiring. I’m honored to work with you!
And for YOU, my dear reader! I’m grateful for your support of our mission here at High-Income Business Writing. For reading my posts, listening to my podcast, and enrolling in my training and coaching programs.
Look, I realize that life is not all unicorns and sunshine. Life is hard. Life is NOT fair. It can be incredibly trying. And there’s no reasonable explanation for the devastating and horrific things that can happen to us.
I also realize that I haven’t walked in your shoes. I haven’t experienced your unique pain and disappointment. So I’m not here to judge or tell you what YOU should do.
But here’s what I do know: We have a choice every day.
We can choose to focus our energy on all the bad stuff. Or we can choose to think about and be grateful for the good in our lives.
Even if it’s just one little thing. And even if it’s just for a minute or two every day.
I hope you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving week.
